Rights group files complaint over movie treatment of dog
A Toronto-based animal law organization has filed animal cruelty complaints over the treatment of a German shepherd on the set of the new movie A Dog’s Purpose.
Animal Justice says footage apparently shot near Winnipeg in November 2015 shows filmmakers forcing the dog into turbulent water.
The footage, which first surfaced on the website TMZ, shows the distressed dog, named Hercules, fighting to stay out of the water by repeatedly clawing at the edge of the pool.
A subsequent shot shows the dog submerged under the water while a voice is hear yelling “Cut it!” and handlers moved in to pull the animal out.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has called for a boycott of the movie, set for release on Jan. 27.
Animal Justice has filed complaints with officials in Manitoba. The Chief Veterinary Office of Manitoba said it has assigned an officer to investigate.
“Throwing a terrified German shepherd into rushing water is blatant animal cruelty,” said Camille Labchuk, a lawyer and executive director of Animal Justice.
“It is illegal to inflict suffering and anxiety onto animals, and there is no loophole that lets Hollywood moviemakers get away with abusing animals on a film set.”
The American Humane society has also launched an investigation and says it has suspended its safety representative who worked on the film.
Javier Schwersensky, head of the Winnipeg Humane Society, said his group was consulted for two scenes in the movie, but not the one involving the alleged abuse.
He said the video shows the dog was not properly trained.
“Training for a scene like this should take place weeks — if not months — in advance to help a dog get comfortable with not only being in water of that depth, but also the turbulence. It also helps to ensure the dog will not suffer consequences from such a traumatic experience,” he said.
“As well, there was no safe exit point for the dog to escape the turbulent water.”
Producer Amblin Entertainment and distributor Universal Pictures say they are reviewing the footage, but are confident that “great care and concern was shown” for the dog.
“There were several days of rehearsal of the water scenes to ensure Hercules was comfortable with all of the stunts.”
Actor Josh Gad, who voices a dog in the film, says on Twitter he has asked the studio and production team for an explanation of what he calls “disturbing images.
“I am shaken and sad to see any animal put in a situation against its will,” Gad wrote.
A publicist confirmed Gad’s post is authentic.