The trailer to "A Dog's Purpose" will let you believe it is the feel-good movie of the year. However, PETA (or, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is urging people to boycott the film.
The video that caused the boycott
This boycott is the result of a leaked video by TMZ showing one of the dogs used in filming panicked over shooting a scene in a large body of water. The dog can be seen trying to escape the trainer's arms and scratching at the sides of the large pool. When the dog is pulled beneath the waves, several people rush to rescue it.
The video was filmed in November of 2016.
PETA's comments
PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange told CBS News, "Days after PETA released a video exposé of Hollywood animal supplier Birds & Animals Unlimited (BAU), which claimed to a PETA eyewitness they provided dogs used in the film "A Dog's Purpose", new footage shows a terrified dog who is forced into churning water on set.
"At one point, a dog who is in danger of drowning has to be rescued. PETA is calling on dog lovers to boycott the film in order to send the message that dogs and other animals should be treated humanely, not as movie props. PETA's investigation at BAU revealed that animals are denied veterinary care, forced to sleep outdoors in the cold without bedding for warmth, made to live in filthy conditions, and more.."
Who is BAU?
BAU, or Birds and Animals Unlimited, is a company that provides animals to be used in motion pictures and television.
According to PETA, they have rented out to such productions like "The Hangover", "Marley and Me", "Game of Thrones", and "Pirates of the Caribbean".
PETA also claims that an eyewitness revealed that BAU chronically neglects their animals, do not provide adequate veterinary care, have filthy enclosures, and will deny animals food so that they will perform tricks for treats.
Universal Pictures told TMZ that they will "look into the circumstances of the video." As of this article, BAU has not made comment and their website is offline.
"A Dog's Purpose" directed by Lasse Hallstrom, is based on W. Bruce Cameron’s 2010 novel about a dog who is reincarnated several times. The film stars Dennis Quaid and Josh Gad and is to be released in theaters January 27.
