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A Dog’s Purpose faces boycott after footage leaked of distressed dog on set

Rob Moran

The upcoming Hollywood family film A Dog's Purpose is facing calls to be boycotted after a video showing alleged cruelty to a dog on set was leaked.

In the clip, published by TMZ on Thursday, a German Shepherd named Hercules appears to be manhandled into a pool of raging water, even as he struggles to free himself from his handler's grasp.

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Animal film faces cruelty allegations

Rights group PETA is calling for the boycott of new film A Dog's Purpose after footage of alleged animal abuse is leaked.

"Just gotta throw him in," an off-screen voice says, as the visibly frightened dog is forced into the rapids.

The end of the video sees Hercules sinking under the strong waves as on-set staff rush to rescue the stranded dog.    

The footage was reportedly captured on the movie set in Winnipeg, Canada in November 2015.

The film's producers, Amblin Partners and Universal Pictures, quickly issued a statement saying the incident was under investigation, but that they were "confident that great care and concern was shown for the German Shepherd" and that "the Amblin production did not proceed with filming that shot" after realising the dog's distress.

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"Hercules is happy and healthy," the statement said.

The American Humane Association, which ensures animals aren't mistreated on movie and TV productions, said it was "disturbed and concerned" by the footage and had immediately suspended its safety representative who worked on the film.  

Animal rights group PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has led calls for the film to be boycotted.

"PETA is calling on dog lovers... to send the message that dogs and other animals should be treated humanely, not as movie props," they said in a statement.

Negative reaction has quickly spread online, with detractors pushing the film into IMDB's 'Bottom Rated Movies' thanks to thousands of "one-star" reviews before the film's even been released. 

The film, from Oscar-nominated Swedish director Lasse Hallstrom (My Life As A Dog, The Cider House Rules), is based on the bestselling 2010 novel of the same name by W. Bruce Cameron.

It follows a dog named Bailey, voiced by actor Josh Gad, who is reincarnated through various breeds until he's reunited with his original owner. It also stars actors Dennis Quaid and Peggy Lipton.

Gad was among those who expressed concerns over the alleged abuse.

"I signed on to a film that truly stands out as one of the most beautiful love letters to animals I have ever seen," he wrote on Twitter.

"I am shaken and sad to see any animal put in a situation against its will. As the proud owner of a rescued dog and a fervent supporters of organisations like PETA, I have reached out to the production team and studio to ask for an explanation for these disturbing images," he added.  

Hallstrom also released a statement saying he "did not witness these actions, which are unacceptable and would never happen with my knowledge".

The video's leak comes just as the film is slated for release in the US next week. It is scheduled to open in Australian cinemas in April.