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Universal cancels A Dog's Purpose premiere in wake of cruelty allegations

Cancelled... A Dog's Purpose premiere in LA is binned - Credit: Universal
Cancelled… A Dog’s Purpose premiere in LA is binned – Credit: Universal

Universal and Amblin Entertainment have cancelled the planned premiere of new movie ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ following allegations of cruelty to animals.

A video emerged yesterday filmed on the movie’s set in Winnipeg showing a dog handler trying to force a clearly frightened German Shepherd into a tank of rapids for an action sequence.

TMZ posted the footage, which has caused concern for the filmmakers and its stars, including ‘Frozen’s Josh Gad, who voices one of the animal characters.

The premiere was due to take place in Los Angeles this weekend.

(Credit: TMZ)
(Credit: TMZ)

A statement from Universal and Amblin read: “Because Amblin’s review into the edited video released yesterday is still ongoing, distributor Universal Pictures has decided it is in the best interest of A Dog’s Purpose to cancel this weekend’s premiere and press junket.

“Amblin and Universal do not want anything to overshadow this film that celebrates the relationship between humans and animals.

“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.”

(Credit: Universal)
(Credit: Universal)

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has called for a boycott of the movie, while Josh Gad tweeted his concern over the video.

Director Lasse Hallstrom also tweeted:

The dog was provided to the production by leading animal talent company Birds & Animals Unlimited, which has come in for strong criticism over its facility in California.

PETA filed a complaint with the US Department of Agriculture last week after information from a whistle-blower emerged, alleging poor living conditions and animals being deprived of food for training purposes.

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