LONDON—England’s favorite doggy dad found himself in hot water this week after a shocking video appeared on social media. The video, confirmed to be authentic, was recorded in the early 1960’s in the town of Dinsford. It shows famous canine, Pongo, rolling in soot to imitate a Black Labrador, and then encouraging his pups to do the same.
“I’m humiliated and embarrassed,” Pongo said in an interview on Tuesday with the BBC. “While the truth is that we were disguising ourselves to avoid being captured by a greedy, evil woman, it isn’t my place to make excuses. What we did was inappropriate and insensitive.”
Critics on social media, however, aren’t particularly eager to let the family off the hook. Some companies are already caving to the pressure to “cancel” the legendary dalmatian. Pedigree Petfoods and privately-held American chain PetSmart have already severed ties, with other brands likely to follow.
Pongo says this incident has sparked reflection on his choices and he acknowledges the part he has played in perpetuating systemic breedism. “My wife, Perdita, our children, and I can’t begin to make amends for the hurt and suffering we’ve caused to so many. We are committed to being better and to never stop learning and growing.”