A Dog’s Purpose will not premiere in Los Angeles this weekend because of claims that the main character was abused during the making of the movie. The new fantasy, drama film set for theater release on Jan. 27, 2017 that should have celebrated the special relationship between a dog and its owner has now become a source of concern for the makers of the movie.
Controversy over the movie erupted earlier this week when TMZ released footage of a stressed German Shepherd forced to perform in simulated rapids.
Animal activitist group, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals, has called for a boycott of the movie after the video surfaced online. The American Humane Society, in a report published by the Associated Press, said it will be investigating the incident and that it has suspended the safety representative that was hired to work on set of the film. The society, also, said it will hire an independent investigator to look into the allegation.
The Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s film is, according to wikipedia, about “a devoted dog (Josh Gad) [that] discovers the meaning of its own existence through the lives of the humans it teaches to laugh and love. Reincarnated as multiple canines over the course of five decades, the lovable pooch develops an unbreakable bond with a kindred spirit named Ethan (Bryce Gheisar). As the boy grows older and comes to a crossroad, the dog once again comes back into his life to remind him of his true self.”