Leaked Footage Shows Dog Being ‘Abused’ During Movie Scene

#1

In fact, an entire organization known as the American Humane Association is responsible for ensuring that no harm ever comes to animals working on any film set in America. Ever since a stunt horse broke its back and died during the filming of the 1939 movie Jesse James, the AHA has been on hand to ensure no animal comes to harm while the cameras are rolling.

#2

Sadly however, it looks like the assertion that everything’s fine is slightly presumptuous. That’s because leaked footage from the set of new animal flick A Dog’s Purpose has shown a darker side to the animal film industry.

#3

The film details the multiple reincarnations of one dog over several lifetimes and, judging by the trailer, looks like it could be in the running for one of the cheesiest films of all time. But judging by the shocking leaked footage, it looks like it could also be one of the cruelest.

The leaked footage, which was obtained by gossip site TMZ, shows a German Shepherd being forced into a pool of raging water. The dog appears to be terrified and attempts to climb back onto dry land. The handler repeatedly pushes the dog back into the water.

The clip then cuts to reveal how the dog eventually enters the pool and disappears underneath the water. The crew appear concerned for the dog’s safety and can be seen rushing to the dog yelling: “Cut it, cut it”.

#4

Ironically, for a film about animals helping human beings, it looks like the dog in question was being forced into performing a stunt it clearly didn’t want to perform.

Incredibly, the American Humane Association was onset during filming. It told TMZ: “We are placing the safety representative who was on the set on administrative leave immediately and are bringing in an independent third party to conduct an investigation into this matter.”

Ever since the footage was leaked, several members of the movie’s cast and crew have spoken out on social media to distance themselves from the actions of those responsible for the treatment of the dog in question. The film’s director Lasse Hallström posted the following on Facebook:

“I did not witness these actions, which are unacceptable and would never happen with my knowledge. We were all committed to providing a loving, respectful and safe environment for all the animals in the film. I have been promised that a thorough investigation into this situation is underway and that any wrongdoing will be reported and punished.”

#5 Josh Gad, who voiced every one of the multiple dogs in the film, also took to Twitter to voice similar concerns.

#6

After reviewing the footage, PETA have called for a boycott of the film as a protest against the treatment of the actor dogs featured in the production. A full investigation into the allegations is underway.