PETA has called for a boycott of "A Dog's Purpose" after the video was unearthed.
One disturbing video is shocking America as an apparently terrified German shepherd was filmed being pushed into turbulent waters for a stunt on the upcoming movie, A Dog's Purpose.
The video shows chaos on the set, as the poor dog has to be rescued from the water while shooting the scene.
Read: Harambe's Grandma Euthanized After Zoo Declares She Had 'No Chance for Positive Outcomes'
The dog, named Hercules, plays a heroic K9 police dog that pulls off a dramatic rescue in the story.
Video of how that scene was shot, obtained by TMZ, is causing uproar. PETA, the animal rights organization has called for a boycott of the movie.
Ashley Byrne of PETA told Inside Edition: "He is clearly terrified, he is trying to get away, he is trying to back away and finally he is forced under water."
"German shepherds are historically not bred to love water," veterinarian Dani McVety told Inside Edition. "They are bred to protect our people, but not to jump into water."
Comedian Josh Gad, the voice of the dogs in the movie, is also outraged.
"As the proud owner of a rescued dog and a fervent supporter of PETA, I have reached out to the production team and studio to ask for an explanation of these disturbing images," Gad posted on social media.
The movie, set for release next week, is produced by Steven Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment.
"On the day of the shoot, Hercules did not want to perform the stunt so the Amblin production team did not proceed with filming that shot," the company said in a statement. "Hercules is happy and healthy."
Read: Pet Dog Hailed a Hero After Licking Owner Awake When Overnight Fire Breaks Out in Home
An American Humane Association rep, who was monitoring the animals on the set, has been suspended pending an investigation.
Amblin Entertainment added that they always provide a safe environment for animals on their movie sets.
Watch: Author Helps Girlfriend Grieve Dog's Death With Story Now Book-Turned-Movie
