Many videos of heroic rescuers end up going viral online, but are dog rescue videos fake?
While some dog rescue videos are real, lots of fakes have become popular for the views monetary reasons.
Read on below to know more about these fake videos and how to spot them.
Are Dog Rescue Videos Fake?
There is no denying that dog rescue videos are emotional.
They tug at our heartstrings and make us want to reach out and help, but are they always real?
It is important to remember that just because a video is posted online, that does not mean that it is true.
In fact, some of the most popular dog rescue videos may actually be fake.
Hachiko Video
One of the most famous dog rescue videos is the “Hachiko” video.
This video shows a man in Japan rescuing a dog from an abusive owner. The video went viral, and many people were touched by the story.
However, some believe that the video is fake and claim that the man in the video is not rescuing the dog, but rather staged the rescue.
If you look closely, there are some inconsistencies in the video that make this claim believable.
Puppy in a Car
Another popular dog rescue video is the “Puppy in a Car” video. This video shows a man rescuing a puppy from a hot car.
Again, many people were moved by the story and praised the man for his heroic actions.
However, some believe that this video is also fake, claiming that the puppy in the car was not actually in danger and that the whole incident was staged.
So, are dog rescue videos fake? It is hard to say for sure. However, being skeptical of any video you see online is important.
Just because a video is emotional doesn’t mean that it’s real. Do some research before you believe everything you see.
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3 Ways to Spot a Fake
1. The Dog’s Behavior
Examine the animal for any visible symptoms of physical injury or trauma.
This includes cuts, wounds, and clipped wings, as well as any behaviors that would signal the animal, is frightened or afraid, such as cowering or panting.
In a staged video, the dog will more than likely appear comfortable with the person “rescuing” them.
2. See if They Use the Same Dog
Scroll through the videos on the channel and see if the same dog or the same rescue sites are used repeatedly.
3. The rescuer
Does the rescuer look like they know the dog?
Does their body language seem to suggest that they have interacted with the dog before?
If the rescuer isn’t giving the dog space as they’re trying to rescue it, actively learning and studying the dog’s reactions, or the rescue is quicker than you’d expect, the video could be fake.
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YouTube’s Response
YouTube has publicly committed to reviewing and removing videos depicting fake animal rescues, especially those that put dogs in danger, in March 2021.
Think Before You Share!
To help you decide whether or not to share a video, consider the following:
Did It Look Staged?
Youtubers aren’t actors.
If their reaction doesn’t seem genuine, the video is likely fake.
Is The Animal Familiar?
Fake dog rescue videos will sometimes use the same dog in various situations to “rescue” in an attempt to get views.
Scroll through other videos on the channel to see if the dog looks familiar.
What Happened To The Rescued Dog?
Does the person who rescued the dog take care of it, get competent veterinary aid for the dog, or take the dog to an organization that rescues animals?
Or does the clip just finish with the dog being rescued immediately?
Why Are The Rescuers There?
Authentic rescue efforts are typically carried out in response to a call for assistance made by a member of the general public or are arranged in preparation.
Random rescues recorded out of the blue is a red flag.
Do The Rescuers Belong To A Welfare Organization?
If you have access to such information, you should investigate the organization’s reputation.
Then, determine whether or not the individual in question is indeed a representative of the organization or just using their authority to make themselves look good.
The Comment Section
What does the comment section look like? Are there criticisms and doubts raised about the authenticity of the video?
Are the comments disabled? If so, this could point to a fake video.
Watch the following video to get an idea of what a real, genuine animal rescue looks like:
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The Verdict
If you think before you share and can answer all of the questions above and still feel confident that the video is legitimate, then, by all means, share it.
But if you have any doubts whatsoever about the video’s authenticity, it’s best not to share it.
