“A Dog's Purpose” is a soon to be a movie set for theaters on Jan 27, 2017.
The movie focuses on the reincarnation of one dog, from a mixed breed named Toby, a golden retriever named Bailey, a female dog by the name of Ellie, and in the last reincarnation, a black lab named Buddy.
The trailer rolls through the various different reincarnations of this dog while he is aimlessly searching to find his first owner Ethan. All the dogs seem to be fun-loving and perfectly on cue as the trailer continues to roll through the adorable scenes.
This movie though hides a dark secret.
The originally aired set premiere date that was originally aired has now been canceled in wake of allegations of animal cruelty.
A video had been released by TMZ while the movie is still filming footage. This now viral video showed a terrified German Sheppard being forced into rough waters.
The German Sheppard is clearly petrified as the animal trainer forcefully drops him in the rough water/ He clings to the sides of the walls that the body of water encases him in. The last 30 seconds of the shocking footage shows the dog's head going underneath the turbulent waters as the producers scream, “Cut it!”
Shortly following the release of the footage, PETA called for a boycott of the film. American Humane had a representative called on set while the suspected time of the incident occurred, and they will now be undergoing an investigation.
“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. We continue to support this film, are incredibly proud of it and will release it for audiences nationwide next Friday.”