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An investigation into the treatment of a German Shepard on the set of “A Dog’s Purpose” has led to the suspension of a safety representative who worked on the film.
The American Humane Association, an organization that works to ensure animal safety on set responded saying they were “disturbed and concerned” by the footage.
“American Humane has reviewed the video and we are disturbed and concerned by the footage,” the organization told PEOPLE in a statement. “When the dog showed signs of resistance to jumping in the water, the scene should have been stopped.”
They have decided to suspend the safety representative who worked on the film.
“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.”
In the controversial video, a timid German Shepard can be seen being forced into a pool of rushing water as onlookers stand by. One person can be overheard saying “he ain’t going to calm down until he gets in the water. You just have to throw him in.”
Later, the dog is seen swimming in the pool before it goes under water. Amblin Entertainment, the production company behind the film maintains that the dog rehearsed the stunts prior to the leaked footage.
PETA has reportedly called for a boycott of the film.