A dogs purpose contraversy
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"In the making of a film, no animal should be frightened at all. "The fact that the dog did not get injured or die is not at issue, but questions remain," including why the dog was checked at the time, Lange said in a statement. Lisa Lange, senior vice president for the animal rights group PETA, called the report's findings incomplete and said the video still shows "a frightened dog who did not wish to go into the water." The group declined to address the person's status, citing confidentiality for personnel issues. The on-set representative, who American Humane said was joined by three trainers, a safety coordinator and a water safety diver throughout the scene, was suspended after the video's release. The dog was immediately taken to a warming tent, an examination found no signs of stress, and the dog later was returned to filming, it said. "That being said, it is important to note that this was recognized and the scene did not proceed as insinuated by the misleadingly edited video," the group added. Universal didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.Īmerican Humane, which had an animal safety representative on the set, acknowledged that "the handling of the dog in the first scene in the video should have been gentler and signs of stress recognized earlier." But producer Amblin Entertainment and distributor Universal Pictures stuck to plans to release the PG-rated film a week ago in more than 3,000 North American theaters.ĭespite the controversy, the feel-good film that had been pegged to open in the mid-$20-million range still managed to earn an estimated $18.4 million and place second at the box office, behind "Split." Studio representatives said that was in line with their hopes.Īmblin Entertainment declined comment on the report Saturday. The video had an immediate impact on "A Dog's Purpose," starring Dennis Quaid and featuring Josh Gads' voice, as a planned press day and starry premiere were canceled.