Video Appears To Show Dog Forced Into Churning Water During Movie Shoot
LOS ANGELES (CBS/AP) — The organization that ensures animal safety in film and television productions said Wednesday it is investigating whether a frightened dog was forced into churning water during the making of "A Dog's Purpose."
American Humane has also suspended its safety representative who worked on the film and is hiring an independent investigator to explore the matter, said Mark Stubis, a spokesman for the organization.
The film's producer, Amblin Entertainment, and distributor, Universal Pictures, said in a joint statement that they are reviewing the footage, but they are confident that "great care and concern was shown" for the dog, a German Shepherd named Hercules.
"There were several days of rehearsal of the water scenes to ensure Hercules was comfortable with all of the stunts," the statement said.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said in a Twitter post that dog lovers should boycott the film "to send the message that dogs & other animals should be treated humanely, not as props."
Actor Josh Gad, who lends his voice to a dog in the film, issued a statement on Twitter saying he has asked the studio and production team for an explanation of what he calls "disturbing images."
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) January 19, 2017
He said that while the finished film is "one of the most beautiful love letters to animals I have ever seen," he was troubled by the video.
"I am shaken and sad to see any animal put in a situation against its will," Gad wrote. A publicist for the actor confirmed the post was authentic.
The director of the film sent out a series of tweets promising a thorough investigation:
I have been promised that a thorough investigation into this situation is underway and that any wrongdoing will be reported and punished.
— lasse hallstrom (@HallstromLasse) January 19, 2017
I have been a lifelong animal lover and A DOG'S PURPOSE is my third film about dogs. The animals' safety was of utmost priority.
— lasse hallstrom (@HallstromLasse) January 19, 2017
Some have taken to social media to say they are going to boycotting the movie.
How dare you @UniversalPics you should be ashamed of yourselves. #boycott #ADogsPurpose I was so looking forward to this #NotAnymore
— Sean Gotcher (@seangotcher) January 18, 2017
Don't forget, if you go see #ADogsPurpose you're saying ok to animal abuse. #boycott
— Christy Sawyers (@christysawyers) January 19, 2017
Animal lovers should boycott #ADogsPurpose - crew mistreated dogs. Producers only care about $ not the safety of animals. Shameful.
— Whitney Ochman (@NeverBeWhitout) January 19, 2017
Boycott I will. Shame on you. #boycottadogspurpose #ADogsPurpose #doglovers
— KT (@dancemisskatie) January 19, 2017
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