And he claims to be horrified by the video. Producer Gavin Polone, who is a known animal rights activist, was not on set the day this second unit footage was shot. "Fostering a safe environment and ensuring the ethical treatment of our animal actors was of the utmost importance to those involved in making this film and we will look into the circumstances surrounding this video." The dog eventually got in the water, or was forced in, but was quickly submerged.We're told director Lasse Hallstrom was present the whole time, and at least one member of the crew was extremely disturbed by the dog's treatment during this scene."Īmblin Partners and Universal Pictures released this official statement. "Sources connected to production tell us 8 outboard motors were used to churn the water and recreate a rushing river. There is panic, as trainers swim to the dog and save it from drowning, and you can hear, 'Cut it! Cut it!' being called out. The dog then becomes submerged completely. The dog actor is forced up against the edge of the pool by the flow of water as the trainer calls out. The scene called for the canine to rescue a child from drowning, but it wasn't moving forward as planned. The video clearly shows a frightened dog being forced into rushing water by its trainer. The footage in question was secretly captured in Winnipeg, Canada back in November 2015, during a second unit shoot.
Now, PETA has gotten a look at the footage, and they are calling for a boycott of the movie, which is scheduled to hit theaters on January 27. Earlier today, TMZ shared a very disturbing video that shows a German Shepherd being forced against its will into rushing water on the set of A Dog's Purpose, where the canine actor almost drowns before being rescued by trainers. And it doesn't sound like it's going to turn out well for anyone involved.
#PETA A DOGS PURPOSE MOVIE#
What was supposed to be a heartwarming family movie is turning into a horror show.