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American Humane: Third-party report clears ‘A Dog’s Purpose’

This image released by Universal Studios shows John Ortiz in a scene from "A Dog's Purpose." Marketers would describe "A Dog's Purpose" as a film with "four-quadrant" appeal, meaning it's likely to draw moviegoers of both genders, young and old. Based on a bestselling book and told from a dog's perspective, it's a feel-good story for animal lovers of all kinds. Which is why a video leaked last week of a frightened dog apparently forced into rushing water during the making of the film is so damaging to its opening box-office prospects this weekend : It alienates, even offends, its very audience.(Joe Lederer/Universal Studios via AP)
This image released by Universal Studios shows John Ortiz in a scene from "A Dog's Purpose." Marketers would describe "A Dog's Purpose" as a film with "four-quadrant" appeal, meaning it's likely to draw moviegoers of both genders, young and old. Based on a bestselling book and told from a dog's perspective, it's a feel-good story for animal lovers of all kinds. Which is why a video leaked last week of a frightened dog apparently forced into rushing water during the making of the film is so damaging to its opening box-office prospects this weekend : It alienates, even offends, its very audience.(Joe Lederer/Universal Studios via AP) This image released by Universal Studios shows John Ortiz in a scene from "A Dog's Purpose." Marketers would describe "A Dog's Purpose" as a film with "four-quadrant" appeal, meaning it's likely to draw moviegoers of both genders, young and old. Based on a bestselling book and told from a dog's perspective, it's a feel-good story for animal lovers of all kinds. Which is why a video leaked last week of a frightened dog apparently forced into rushing water during the making of the film is so damaging to its opening box-office prospects this weekend : It alienates, even offends, its very audience.(Joe Lederer/Universal Studios via AP)

By Associated Press 1 min read

LOS ANGELES (AP) – The American Humane organization says a third-party investigation prompted by leaked video from the set of “A Dog’s Purpose” found no animal injuries occurred during those scenes.

The investigation followed release of the video that appeared to show a frightened German shepherd being forced into churning water.

American Humane said Friday that an independent animal-cruelty expert concluded that preventative safety measures were in place. The group also said that the leaked video was deliberately edited to mislead the public.

American Humane, which had an animal safety representative on the set, did say the dog’s signs of stress should have been recognized earlier.

“A Dog’s Purpose,” starring Dennis Quaid and featuring the voice of Josh Gad, opened in second place at the box office last weekend.