Dogs are without a doubt one of the best animals around. They’re, as we have said many times before, loving, dorky and really fun to watch. As they are one of earth’s most pure creatures. This is one of the many reasons why they’re considered our best friends.
Since they’re loving pets and are smart enough, thousands of dogs are used in movies. Also, as movies about dogs. Loved by children and for animal lovers. But they also create awareness and certain worries to the ones who care about the furry ones.
A Dog’s Purpose.
The movie that will be released on January 27th, based on the touching book by W. Bruce Cameron, has presented some problems during it’s filming. The story follows the story of a dog named Bailey through five decades of “dog-carnation.” As he experiences sniffs around the meaning of life and of his own existence, while other simple dog things, across his experiences through multiple owners and forms.
Despite the argument of the movie being beautiful and touching for those who love pets or animals, not everything has been animal-friendly. As footage of one of the canine actors being forced to pull a stunt.
The whole scene.
The dog in the footage is a German Sheppard named Hercules. The video was originally posted by TMZ. As it shows the terrified German Shepherd being practically thrown into the water in order to film a scene of the movie. After the trainer tried about 40 seconds to convince the dog into the pool.
Poor Hercules even looks close to drowning. This has been very criticized not only by animal protecting associations but as well by people in the media. Even Josh Gad, who lend his voice to the project as the “lead dog” stated his anger on twitter.
The studio’s answer.
The producers of the film, Amblin Entertainment, and distributors Universal Pictures, have stated in a statement to CNN that they’ve “followed rigorous protocols to foster an ethical and safe environment for the animals.”
Also the producers from “A Dog’s Purpose” have said “While we continue to review the circumstances shown in the edited footage, Amblin is confident that great care and concern was shown for the German Shepherd Hercules, as well as for all of the other dogs featured throughout the production of the film. 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. Hercules is happy and healthy.”
Legal problems.
On the other hand “American Humane,” who award the “No Animals Were Harmed” approve to the movies have released a statement too. This situation also means that crew members of the film are now under investigation. As they could face jail time or the producers could be fined up to $10k.
The statement said: “American Humane has reviewed the video and we are disturbed and concerned by the footage. When the dog showed signs of resistance to jumping in the water, the scene should have been stopped,” said a statement from the organization to CNN. “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.”
Animal (lovers) attack.
The problems with “American Humane” are not the only problems the film are facing. Since the footage from the situation with Hercules, the German Sheppard, other animal rights groups have acted.
If you want to check the trailer of the movie, click below.
Source: CNN