Jun 17, 2010

The rescheduled organizational meeting for a new standards-developing activity on captive animal photography and videography will occur on Aug. 23. The meeting will be at noon EDT and is open to all interested parties.

Visit astm.webex.com/astm/k2/j.php?ED=144092192&UID=1132034042&RT=MiMxMQ==&FM=1 to register for the meeting. Once you have been approved, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with instructions for joining the session. Information regarding meeting attendance and agenda can be obtained from Pat Picariello, director of developmental operations, ASTM International.
 
This activity, with support from the International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP), will address the ambiguity that presently exists regarding the ethical responsibilities involved in maintaining, photographing and publishing photos of captive animals. Moral and ethical questions arise when captive wild animals are constrained or held in abusive ways, when images of captive animals are labeled as “wild animal” photos, or when the photos are used in a way that misleads the audience as to the true condition of wild animals and their natural habitats. 
 
Some federal and state authorities have standards that describe basic protection for captive animals. Many major zoological parks, aquariums and other facilities in the U.S. are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to house and care for a wide variety of animals that are genetically “wild.” However, many other facilities that offer captive animals for photography, display, or observation may not have the same degree of protective oversight (consensus standards and conformity assessment) that the accredited institutions possess. Standards vary and in some cases are non-existent. 
 
ASTM International provides a neutral management system for the development of standards and related information for materials, products, systems and services used internationally as well as nationally. All segments of an industry (producers, users, consumers, government and academia) participate in the development of this information to ensure that all technical points of view are represented - it is important that all parties are confident they will have fair and equal representation in the development of the final consensus standards.

ASTM provides leadership and management support for 141 standards-developing committees. These committees have produced more than 12,000 standards for a diverse collection of industries.

ASTM Staff Contact: Pat Picariello, Phone: 610-832-9720; ppicarie@astm.org
ASTM PR Contact: Barbara Schindler, Phone: 610-832-9603; bschindl@astm.org

Release #8599