x
Breaking News
More () »

Perceived sexual abuse message in kids movie 'Show Dogs' sparks controversy

Rated PG, the movie is advertised as 'kid friendly' but there are some scenes that parent groups and advocacy groups claim 'send a troubling message that grooms children for sexual abuse.'

*UPDATE* 5/23 6 p.m. – Show Dogs production company announced Tuesday that it is re-cutting the movie after parents said it showed sexual abuse. It's deleting two scenes in which one of the dogs has his private parts inspected by dog show judges.

(NEWS CENTER Maine) — Controversy surrounds the recently released movie 'Show Dogs'.

Rated PG, the movie is advertised as 'kid friendly' but there are some scenes that parent groups and advocacy groups claim 'send a troubling message that grooms children for sexual abuse.'

The movie contains multiple scenes where a dog character must have its private parts inspected, in the course of which the dog is uncomfortable and wants to stop but is told to go to a ‘zen place.’ The dog is rewarded with advancing to the final round of the dog show after passing this barrier.

Watch trailer here

I saw the movie and as someone with children in the demographic the filmmakers are looking for, I can understand why people are upset. The topic of sexual abuse has been coming up on a regular basis lately and I can't help but feel like if they could have done it over again, deleting the 27 second controversial scene out of their 1 hour and 32 minute movie, would have been the best move.

The scene in question goes like this. One dog is about to enter the final stage of a show dog competition and part of that includes his private parts being checked. He says: 'I just can't do it'. another dog then says, 'I know, I know- The inspection of the private parts is the hardest part of the competition. You must go in your mind to your happy place then nothing can stop you". That's the scene that has people upset

Before You Leave, Check This Out