Put Down Your Pitchforks ‘Cos That ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ Vid Was A Total Con

A video appearing to show animal cruelty on the set of new film A Dog’s Purpose has been deemed a fake. All at once, now: thank fuck.

The American Humane Society, the group which oversees the treatment of animals on Hollywood productions, says an independent report on the issue found the video to be deceivingly edited.

The viral clip, which purported to show German Shepherd Hercules being forced into heaving water by his trainer, was “deliberately edited for the purpose of misleading the public and stoking outrage.”
Furthermore, the third-party animal cruelty expert enlisted to investigate proceedings found Hercules wasn’t forced to swim against his will at any time – and that the clip had been edited to imply the dog was distressed.
Hercules wasn’t forced into the water after he panicked in the first part of the clip. After the second part – which was filmed at an entirely different time – Hercules was immediately pulled from the water. 
Eyewitness reported Hercules’ desire to get back in the water afterwards. 
Experts were on deck at all times to manage the dog’s wellbeing; the American Humane rep who was on duty at the shoot was suspended while this investigation took place, but you’d assume they’ll now be welcomed back on deck.

The report also backs up statements given by important figures in the film’s development regarding Hercules’ extensive training before the shoot.

American Humane didn’t have any mercy for PETA, though. 
In the statement, one of American Humane’s chief vets Dr. Kwane Stewart said “it is disappointing that the public was misled by a manufactured controversy promoted by a radical organization like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals with a mission to remove animals from films and other parts of our lives.”

Reminder: the stink this video kicked up forced the film’s premiere to be cancelled. 

FWIW, a vet checked up on Hercules last week. He’s just fine, thanks for asking.

Source: A.V. Club / American Humane Society. 
Photo: TMZ / Facebook.

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