Star of "Dog Whisperer" Cesar Millan is under investigation because of a possible animal cruelty incident that occurred during filming for his TV show "Cesar 911."
A Nat Geo Wild representative says that Millan was training Simon, a French bulldog-terrier with aggression problems. The dog kept attacking other animals, such as the owner's pot-bellied pigs.
While Millan was teaching Simon to behave properly, the dog was able to attack yet another pot-bellied pig before it could be stopped, causing the animal victim's ear to start bleeding.
"A short clip from the episode was shared online and showed Simon chasing a pig and nipping its ear, causing the ear to bleed. The clip caused some concern for viewers who did not see or understand the full context of the encounter," the spokesperson tells ET.
The footage then made rounds online, incurring the ire and concern of plenty of viewers. However, it only did so because it was taken without sufficient context.
Animal rights activists took things to Twitter, demanding for Millan's show to be cancelled.
@soledadobrien @FoundAnimalsOrg @natgeowild DON'T support #cesarmillan
— Penny (@dogpenn) March 11, 2016
On the other side of the fence, supporters of Millan defended him on the social media platform as well.
Super sad to hear about what's happening with #cesarmillan I watched the show, everything was fine. People just like to make drama — Melissa (@tweets_from_mel) March 11, 2016
The owner of the rehabiltated dog also posted a video in support of Millan.
The investigation only started when people contacted animal welfare authorities, telling them that Millan used a live pig to train a dog that had already attacked two others.
Los Angeles County Animal Control went to Millan's Dog Psychology Center in Santa Clarita, only to find that he wasn't there. According to a family member, he was out on a business trip.
Animal Control issued a 24-hour notice for Millan to contact them regarding the attacked pot-bellied pig's condition and whereabouts.
The statement of the Nat Geo Wild representative continues to say that the animal is fine.
"The pig that was nipped by Simon was tended to immediately afterward, healed quickly and showed no lasting signs of distress," it reads.
In the end, Millan successfully taught Simon to stop being aggressive toward other animals, allowing the dog to stay with his owner and avoid euthanasia.
Asked for his reactions, Millan thinks the reactions of people are misguided.
"I do have a large group of fans and a small group of people who don't agree with me. They are taking this the wrong way and blowing it way out of proportion," he said.
"My main goal is to educate human kind so we don't end up euthanizing dogs with the mistakes we make. I'm going to do whatever it takes to save the life of a dog. I don't use animals as bait," the Dog Whisperer added.
