The movie ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ is receiving criticism and even some calls for a boycott after footage was posted on TMZ’s website showing questionable care of one of the dogs. In this video below you’ll see how a trained German Shepherd does not want to go into some rushing water, but the handler does eventually put the dog in. Amblin Entertainment told TMZ that the dog named Hercules had rehearsed several in the water to make sure he was okay with the stunts. But day of the shoot, Hercules seems panicked…and production was stopped. Some have called for a boycott of the film due to this treatment of Hercules. The producer, Gavin Polone, says that he was horrified of the incident. In an interview he said it was someone’s job to be watchful of this type of thing.
I’ve watched this video a few times now, and a couple of things don’t make sense: 1) the dog handler I’m assuming is a professional. He’s probably worked with many dogs on many films. So if he sees this dog, or any animal, freaking out during a shoot, why the hell not speak up and say, ‘we have to stop’? 2) And on any movie set of this caliber, you have a lot of people working behind the scenes. You’re telling me not ONE person watched this unfold and didn’t have the courage to speak up? Oh sure, everyone rushes in when it appears the dog is drowning…but this to me is very disturbing that no said anything. Were they afraid of being fired? If that’s the case, then I’ll accept my walking papers, knowing I did the right thing.
(video source TMZ via YouTube)
