AHA rated the film Unacceptable and asked moviegoers to boycott it in theaters. As a result, the horse scenes were eliminated during its run in the UK following recommendations from the RSPCA to the British Board of Film Classification. Furthermore, on April 15, 1985, AHA received a letter from the Southern African Federation of SPCAs and Affiliated Societies stating that wide publicity of the film's cruelty to animals was being spread as a direct result of AHA's rating.

The ongoing expansion of the AHA Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media has raised the standard of care for animal actors worldwide. In addition, technological advancements have created safe alternatives to risky action, enabling filmmakers to maintain their creative vision without compromising the welfare of animal actors. AHA continues to be a vigilant watchdog for animals in film and television and acknowledges the groundbreaking history of this program while expanding and refining procedures to reflect increased knowledge and new challenges.