The Australian distributor of a children’s film set for release later this year has confirmed it is removing two controversial scenes a local advocate says convey dangerous messages around sexual abuse and grooming.
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Show Dogs is a film about a police dog that goes undercover at a prestigious dog show to stop animal smuggling.
The scenes that have sparked concerns reportedly depict Max the dog having his genitals handled to prepare him for the inspections he will have to undergo in the show.
When he protests, he is advised to go to a “zen place” in his mind; he later gets through to the final of the show, where he is inspected.
Chief executive officer of the Annie North women’s refuge in Bendigo, Julie Oberin, said this was “completely irresponsible”.
She said the scenes conveyed the message that strangers could do that to a child, and if the child did not like it, they should go somewhere else in their mind.
It also suggested to children that if they let these things happen, she said, they would be rewarded.
“It just amazes me that in 2018, people think it’s OK to give those messages in a movie targeted at preschoolers,” Ms Oberin said.
She said the scenes conveyed ideas contrary to what children were taught to protect them: that it was their body, they could say no, and no one had the right to touch them.
“It goes against messages that responsible parents and schooling give them,” Ms Oberin said.
She said it was known that media was influential on young children.
In a statement, Roadshow Films said it acknowledged concerns had been raised regarding two scenes in the movie.
“Roadshow wishes to advise that the producers of the film are editing the film to remove the relevant scenes and Roadshow will only be releasing the revised version,” the statement said.
The company said this revised version of the film would be released in July.
Australian child protection organisation Bravehearts had earlier this week called for the film to be banned.
“This message is not only wrong, but it promotes acceptance of grooming and goes against the very basic principles of child protection,” it said in a statement on social media.
The film has already hit cinemas in the US, where it also raised a furore: the National Centre on Sexual Exploitation was one prominent voice calling for changes.
The film’s production company Global Road Entertainment this week also announced that the recut movie, less the controversial scenes, would be available for screening in the US this weekend.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
