PETA barking mad about 'disturbing' behind-the-scenes video of 'A Dog's Purpose'
Say what you will about PETA, but they don't pussy foot. They don't doggy foot either.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals are fervently demanding for a boycott of A Dog's Purpose, a film that was undoubtedly meant to be a dog-lovers dream. But, when video, shot on location in Winnipeg, surfaced of an animal actor being unwillingly forced into man-made rapids, producers were faced with something of a PR (AR? animal relations?) nightmare.
In what some are calling 'disturbing mistreatment', Hercules, a trained German Shepherd, is seen being pushed into a tank of tumultuous water. He does not want to go. His stress level is clear. I'm reminded of being pushed into lakes as a child. It sucks. To be fair though, as a long-time dog owner and dog lover, I've also seen dogs more freaked out than this when it's bath time. Dogs know that the only good water in the bathroom is in the toilet bowl. But, the outrage and outcry from animal groups has been swift. Whether it's been just, however, may up for debate. The bad press has already forced a full cancellation of the film's LA premiere and all press junkets.
In a statement released last week, Amblin Entertainment and distributor Universal Pictures said "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," adding, "Hercules is happy and healthy." They confirm "great care and concern" were taken with all five dogs used in the making of the film. Their explanation: the dog's discomfort and stress level were simply a result of the point of access being changed (my guess though: Hercules' trailer did not have his preferred brand of pupperoni, as per his rider that morning). Diva dog gags aside, prior to that day, producers say rehearsals had ensured the dogs were comfortable with the water.
"Since the emergence of the footage, Amblin has engaged with many associated with the production of the film, including safety personnel, trainers and stunt coordinators as part of their in-depth review. While we are all disheartened by the appearance of an animal in distress, everyone has assured us that Hercules the German Shepherd was not harmed throughout the filmmaking."
Still, PETA is not having it. It doesn't help the film that the animals employed come from the now suspect Birds and Animals Unlimited (BAU), an animal training firm whose production credits include Game of Thrones and Harry Potter. Last December, PETA filed serious complaints against the widely-used and erstwhile respected firm for a litany of animal neglect and mistreatment violations, one of which involves the death of a kangaroo named Lenny, who couldn't eat after a broken jaw was left untreated. Disgusting. That's exactly the kind of stuff you want PETA to make people accountable for. BAU's website is currently offline to showcase a Hercules-specific PR statement on their homepage. To say they're in damage control mode is likely an understatement.
As a dyed-in-the-fur dog person (like, lose-my-mind-when-dogs-are-around dog person), if there was genuine mistreatment, I'm with PETA all the way. And if you're tempted to say that a little puppy stress is no big deal, note that animals respond to stress the same way we do. It fires up their cortisol and adrenaline production and lowers immune response. It's awful for us and them, and causes a slew of short-term and long-term health problems. So, stop showing your cats cucumbers. But, I'm crossing my fingers that this is a case of 30 seconds of video being taken way out of context, and a dog that knows his mind deciding he just didn't want to get wet that day.
Regardless, PETA is intent on going farther. They want more than just a boycott of A Dog's Purpose. They want the film's director Lasse Hallstrom, and producer Gavin Polone to stop using animals in films forever and to rescue all dogs used in the film from BUA. Again, they don't pussy foot. I'll take one of those puppers if any readers have any connections btw. Some are wondering, though, if PETA, who admittedly do valiant work, are being too heavy handed here. Hallstrom, himself an influential Hollywood vegan and long-time animal rights activist, responded by saying "PETA wants to fire up its base and it's not productive. It's also kind of crazy — I'm the person they should be strong-arming?"
Human performers in the film have been vocal too. Josh Gad, the actor who lends his voice to the dog in the movie, took to Twitter to offer a more measured statement:
The film, which stars Dennis Quaid, is still slated to open this Friday, January 27th. But certainly not without the angry protests of its many detractors. PETA will be present with pickets and bullhorns making it hard for moviegoers to watch a feel-good pic that Hallstrom says was supposed to be "about promoting the idea of animals as sentient and deserving of empathy and rights". However carefully the dogs were treated, BUA's involvement has tainted that.
Hercules, however, is probably chewing on a slipper or taking a nap right now. No info has surfaced as to whether he'll be at the premiere. Or who he'll be wearing that night. Note: I just Googled dogs in tuxedos and was not disappointed.
Marc Beaulieu is a writer, producer and host of the live Q&A show guyQ LIVE @AskMen.