Excitement to see the to-be-released movie “A Dog’s Purpose” flopped when a leaked video uncovered possible animal abuse on set.

The movie– an inspirational story about the many lives of a dog (Hercules) searching for his meaning– lost thousands of prospective viewers when TMZ revealed behind the scenes footage of Hercules seemingly being pushed into the torrential waves of an on-set pool.

Following the video’s release, the movie’s production companies Amblin Entertainment and Universal Studios reassured CNN of the movie’s safety.

“While we are all disheartened by the appearance of an animal in distress, everyone has assured us that Hercules the German Shepherd was not harmed throughout the filmmaking,” the companies said.

And while American Humane has also certified the movie to be free from animal abuse, industry leader NRG has lowered its projection of the film’s debut by $3 million because of the public’s reaction.

“I was actually really excited to see the movie, but I just can’t support the way that dog was treated,” senior Amy Terry said.

Through all of the controversy, co-writer of “A Dog’s Purpose” W. Bruce Cameron has remained faithful to the movie.

“I celebrate animal rescue and am proud of the values that show up in ‘A Dog’s Purpose’,” Cameron’s statement said.

“A Dog’s Purpose” isn’t the only movie to face animal abuse allegations. The CBS show “Zoo,” “Life of Pi” and even the 1986 film “Milo and Otis” have all had their share of animal abuse controversy.

In fact, President and co-founder of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Ingrid Newkirk believes that no animal actors are free from abuse in Hollywood.

“Animals are coerced into ‘acting’ in films by being denied food so that their hunger will motivate them,” Newkirk wrote in the article “’A Dog’s Purpose’ Is Just the Latest Proof That Animals Are Harmed in Making Films, Despite the Disclaimers.”

Whether the abuse allegations about the movie are true or false remains uncertain. What is certain is that the public wants a change.

“Dogs should be given just as many rights as humans have,” Terry said. “They’re animals, not objects.”