The morning information program "Mezamashi TV" on Fuji Television has a long-running segment called "Today's Dog" (きょうのわんこ), which features various dogs owned by Japanese families. Recently, a Japanese netizen came forward with accusations, claiming that her beloved dog participated in the filming of this segment in August and was forced by the production team to drink excessive amounts of water, resulting in the dog's death. The production team reportedly ignored her complaints, prompting her to publicly share the incident and demand that they pay respects to her deceased pet.
Overview of the Segment
"Today's Dog" is a popular segment on "Mezamashi TV," showcasing adorable dogs and their families. Many pet owners actively promote their dogs to appear on the show, hoping to share their furry companions with a wider audience.
The Incident
I was too heartbroken to speak about it. My lovely daughter Hotate passed away at 2 PM on August 20; she was just 1 year and 11 months old, with her second birthday approaching on September 15.
The owner explained that she had three dogs, two of which, Shampoo and Hotate, participated in the filming for "Today's Dog" in August. Tragically, Hotate died shortly after the shoot.
Details from the Owner
The owner described how Shampoo occasionally entered a water basin during filming without issues, while Hotate was more interested in the hose and kept drinking water. Concerned about Shampoo potentially overheating, she intervened. However, the cameraman continued to force Hotate to drink water. After filming concluded, Hotate collapsed and was rushed to the vet but unfortunately did not survive.
Reactions and Aftermath
Following this incident, the production team did not apologize or reach out to the owner. This lack of response led her to share her story online about two weeks later in hopes of compelling the production team to come forward and pay respects.
When I took her to the vet, I was crying and calling out; Hotate wagged her tail at me, and I thought she would be okay. I never expected my healthy dog would leave me like this。
The post gained significant attention online, with many speculating that Hotate may have died from "water intoxication" due to excessive drinking. While the production team's alleged mistreatment of animals drew criticism, the owner also faced backlash from netizens for allowing her dog to participate in the show.
Conclusion
The owner's decision to delete her post and refrain from further updates leaves uncertainty about whether the production team ever visited to pay their respects. The incident has sparked widespread discussions regarding animal welfare on television shows in Japan.
