Sponge Bob Square Pants: The Movie

SpongeBob SquarePants takes leave from the town of Bikini Bottom in order to track down King Neptune's stolen crown.

  • Starring: Tom Kenny, Alec Baldwin and David Hasselhoff
  • Director(s): Sherm Cohen, Steven Hillenburg
  • Producer(s): Gina Shay
  • Screenwriter(s): Steven Hillenburg
  • Distributor: Paramount Pictures
  • Animal Coordinator: Bob Dunns Animal Services
  • Release Date: Friday, November 19, 2004

Featured Animal Action

American Humane's Film & Television Unit did not monitor the animal action in this film. Sponge Bob, Square Pants: The Movie is a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) production, and therefore it was required to provide American Humane's Certified Animal Safety Representatives on-set access whenever animals were used. Although the production contacted American Humane's Film & Television Unit regarding the use of seagulls in one scene, the birds did not work while the safety representative was present. The production did not inform American Humane about other scenes in which animals appeared. Paramount Studios did not provide a pre-release screening of Sponge Bob, Square Pants: The Movie and, since American Humane was unable to witness any of the animal action firsthand, the film has received a Not Monitored rating.

How to make sure American Humane is there

The "Not Monitored" rating means American Humane's Film & Television Unit was not contacted regarding animal action in the film and was unable to verify that animals were treated humanely. Films like Sponge Bob Square Pants typically receive the "Not Monitored" rating because the film's producers did not involve American Humane and may not have followed American Humane's Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media. Because the film industry is vast, American Humane needs your support to better protect animals used in entertainment.

You can help make sure the American Humane Association is there to monitor animal action in future films by:

1) Registering on our website and indicating your interest in "No Animals Were Harmed." ™ The more people who register, the stronger American Humane's impact will be on actors, producers, and film distributors.

2) Choosing to spend your money on films that express a commitment to the humane treatment of animal actors. Before buying tickets, look for the review of the animal action and make sure the film's producers have taken the right steps to ensure animal safety and well-being.

3) Letting your voice be heard. At the movies, stay tuned through the end credits to be sure the film received the "No Animals Were Harmed" Disclaimer. If you do not see it, e-mail your concerns to American Humane at info@americanhumane.org.