DENVER -- Jan 28, 2009 -- For the fifth consecutive year, Animal Planet's "Puppy Bowl" television program - started as an alternative to the Super Bowl - has earned the American Humane Association's "No Animals Were Harmed" ® end-credit disclaimer.

This year's "players" include 54 dogs, one parrot singing the national anthem and 15 kittens providing half-time entertainment. American Humane Certified Animal Safety Representative™ Sandi Buck was the authority on set to make sure that the action was safe for all the animals involved. She has been monitoring "Puppy Bowl" for American Humane's Film & TV Unit since the show's premiere season. The main action consists of puppies just being themselves - roaming around on a miniature indoor football field and having fun with toys and each other.

"Because of five years of experience and planning, this year's 'Puppy Bowl' was one of the smoothest, most fun programs that we've ever done," Buck said. "It was a busy day, with more than 60 animals in the same place at once, but it worked out perfectly!"

There is even a referee to call penalties, such as a "Unnecessary Ruffness." The adorable lineup was carefully monitored to achieve a good mix of cheerful and playful puppies on the field at once. All of the dogs and cats came from shelters and rescue groups that can be found on the national PetFinder.com website. The majority of the animals are of mixed breed.

Like traditional sporting events, Puppy Bowl kicks off the party with a heartwarming version of the national anthem, sung by Pepper the African grey parrot, who has been seen on "Pet Star" and many other shows, showing off his talent for mimicking, counting and more.

Animal Planet will provide a live satellite feed on Puppy Bowl today at 10 a.m. Eastern. Please contact us for details.

The two-hour-long Puppy Bowl V premieres Sunday, Feb. 1, at 3 p.m. (ET/PT) on Animal Planet.

For more information on American Humane's Film & TV Unit and the "No Animals Were Harmed" end credit disclaimer, please visit http://www.americanhumane.org/film.

About American Humane

Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals.