The American Humane's Association's Film & Television Unit is in place for an important reason: to make sure no animals are harmed during the filming of movies. They go on set to take notes and then post a rating
online for anyone to see. Their most recent update is for
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, which they gave an "Outstanding."
Apparently, all creatures on set were kept in low-noise areas, were trained weeks prior to filming, and were constantly rewarded for their good doings. Even the scene where the owl flies through the window, bumps into the ceiling and lands on the ground was safe. It was filmed in several different shots, yet still gave the realistic look of the owl flying into the room in one smooth motion.
Quote:
The owl was released by the trainer and called to a perch by another trainer. A stuffed owl was used to create the bumpy landing. For the rest of the scene, a trainer hid behind the couch with the owl perched on his hand. On “action,” the owl hopped onto the couch, secured by a jess. A second trainer used verbal cues to encourage the owl to fly back out the doorway. The owl was rewarded with treats at its landing on the second trainer’s hand.
Thanks to
Wizard News 
American Humane Association rates OotP "Outstanding" 
