Did ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ Filmmakers Force A Dog Into Water? Producers Slam Animal Abuse Claims

“A Dog’s Purpose” hasn’t been released in theaters yet, but the film is already at the center of controversy.

On Wednesday, footage from the set of the film shows a handler attempting to force a dog into rushing water for a scene, even as the dog shows its fear. The dog can be seen clinging to the platform as the handler tries to force it into the water.

The video has led many to say they will be boycotting the film but now, the producers of film say the dog, Hercules, was not forced to complete the scene. Amblin Entertainment told TMZ that Hercules had “several days of rehearsal of the water scenes to ensure [he] was comfortable with all of the stunts.”

The production company went on to say, “On the day of the shoot, Hercules did not want to perform the stunt portrayed on the tape so the Amblin production team did not proceed with filming that shot.”

While Amblin Entertainment says Hercules is “happy and healthy,” a representative from the American Humane Association has been suspended. The organization is responsible for enforcing safety guidelines for animals and was on set during the scene.

A representative told TMZ, “We are placing the safety representative who was on the set on administrative leave immediately and are bringing in an independent third party to conduct an investigation into this matter.”

PETA is also calling for a boycott of the film. In a statement given to IBTimes, the group said, “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.”

The disturbing video has even led to the film’s voice actor and director to speak out. Josh Gad, who voices the dog in the film, said he was “shaken and sad to see any animal put in a situation against its will.”

As for the director of the film, Lasse Hallstrom said he has been promised “that a thorough investigation” is underway and “any wrongdoing will be reported and punished.”