| Region | Reaction | Outcome | |--------|----------|---------| | | Minimal public outcry at release; the film was banned in several provinces for its graphic content. | The bans were more focused on human gore and “obscene” content; animal cruelty was not a primary legal concern. | | United Kingdom (mid‑80s) | The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) demanded cuts, especially for the tortoise and dog scenes. | These scenes were either heavily trimmed or removed entirely in the UK theatrical release. | | United States (1980s) | The “video nasty” panic led to some local bans; animal cruelty scenes were cited in community hearings. | The home video market eventually released a censored version that replaced several animal‑cruelty shots with stock footage or black bars. | | Modern Critics (2000s–2020s) | Retrospective reviews often highlight animal cruelty as a key reason for the film’s ethical disqualification from any “cult classic” status. | Some streaming services have refused to host the film altogether, citing animal‑rights policies. |