Joe Lederer / Universal Pictures via AP
This image shows Dennis Quaid with a dog, voiced by Josh Gad, in a scene from “A Dog’s Purpose.” A spokesman for American Humane said Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017 that it has suspended its safety representative who worked on the set of the film when a frightened German shepherd, not shown, was forced into churning waters.
Associated Press
Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017 | 6:38 p.m.
LOS ANGELES — The organization that ensures animal safety in film and television productions said Wednesday it is investigating whether a frightened dog was forced into churning water during the making of « A Dog’s Purpose. »
American Humane has also suspended its safety representative who worked on the film and is hiring an independent investigator to explore the matter, said Mark Stubis, a spokesman for the organization.
The incident came to light when celebrity site TMZ.com posted a minute-long video it says was shot during production of « A Dog’s Purpose. »
It shows a German shepherd apparently terrified to get into a pool and a trainer forcing the dog into the water.
Universal Pictures, which is releasing « A Dog’s Purpose » on Jan. 27, has not responded to a request for comment from The Associated Press.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said in a Twitter post that dog lovers should boycott the film « to send the message that dogs & other animals should be treated humanely, not as props. »
Actor Josh Gad, who lends his voice to a dog in the film, issued a statement on Twitter saying he has asked the studio and production team for an explanation of what he calls « disturbing images. »
He said that while the finished film is « one of the most beautiful love letters to animals I have ever seen, » he was troubled by the video.
« I am shaken and sad to see any animal put in a situation against its will, » Gad wrote. A publicist for the actor confirmed the post was authentic.
