Model Release for animals?

I am putting together a portrait contract for my human subjects but I also do equine portraits now. Do I need to include a model release when photographing horses?

I would think it would be more of a property release.

HammerCope wrote in post #18201292
I would think it would be more of a property release.

I would agree, especially if they're trademarked like "Lassie".

As for "I am putting together...", unless you've copied one that has been court tested, I hope you are a lawyer?

Being as horses can't read or sign their signatures, a property release from the owner would be more practical.

joedlh wrote in post #18201373
Being as horses can't read or sign their signatures, a property release from the owner would be more practical.

You've clearly never seen Mr. Ed.

I've used animals as 'models' in the past through professional booking agencies. They're typically accompanied by a handler/trainer and a property release is the norm in the advertising world.

Foodguy wrote in post #18208023
I've used animals as 'models' in the past through professional booking agencies. They're typically accompanied by a handler/trainer

Only typically? I want to hear your stories about the ones who walked (flew, swam, slithered) to a shoot by themselves.

OhLook wrote in post #18208054
Only typically? I want to hear your stories about the ones who walked (flew, swam, slithered) to a shoot by themselves.

Hahah! Well, some are more professionally acquired and accompanied than others.

The poisonous frog that we shot (I don't even remember why) was accompanied by a 'professional' handler...who wore heavy gloves. The little chick that we shot for the Bon Ami package was simply purchased at the local co-op and came by way of a prop stylist. Interestingly, the chick photo generated letters (package had previously been an illustration -"never scratched, never will") from an animal rights group concerned for it's well being. The letter was forwarded to me from the design firm. The chick fwiw, had been given to a wonderful loving home after the shoot. I did however photoshop him (her?) into a NY penthouse apartment with a short story about how this was the start of an incredible modeling career...though I never sent it.

I remember an older version of the Bon Ami package; my mother used that cleanser. It showed a yellow chick and the slogan "Hasn't scratched yet." This must have made more sense when more people lived near chickens kept outdoors and knew their habits.