‘A Dog’s Purpose’ shows a scared German Shepherd forced into rough waters for the movie.
PETA is calling for a boycott of the upcoming feature film A Dog’s Purpose after a video was leaked to TMZ showing a German Shepherd being forced into rushing water allegedly during production.
The animal rights group told The Hollywood Reporter that the dog was owned and supplied by Birds & Animals Unlimited, the same group that is accused of a variety of Animal Welfare Act violations.
The film’s producer Amblin Entertainment and distributor Universal Pictures posted a statement regarding the scene:
In a statement late Wednesday, the film’s producer Amblin Entertainment and distributor Universal Pictures said that while they were reviewing the footage, “great care and concern” were shown the dogs used in the movie; that while the stunt had been rehearsed so the dog Hercules would be comfortable with the water, “on the day of the shoot, Hercules did not want to perform the stunt portrayed on the tape so the Amblin production team did not proceed with filming that shot”; and that “Hercules is happy and healthy.” (via
But, despite the statement many of the cast members in the movie have opened up about the video. In fact, Josh Gad, who was the voice over for the dog in the movie, explained that he is “shaken and sad” over the “disturbing” dog video.
What do you think? Discuss this story with fellow Project Casting fans on Facebook. On Twitter, follow us at @projectcasting.