Jennifer Beals, who has come under fire Wednesday after video surfaced of the actress in Vancouver, Canada, returning to her car where she’d left her dog, said she was away for only five minutes to pick up her laundry and would never jeopardize her pet's safety.
Global News filmed the actress returning to her Ford Escape where her German shepherd was sitting in the front seat and the window was slightly rolled down. A man confronted the actress outside of her vehicle out of concern for the pooch at which point Beals is heard saying, "In Dunbar it is, it's fine."
"It is, OK" the passerby replied before adding, "Just so you know I am reporting this."
Beals told E! News in a statement, "I have loved dogs my whole life. They've been in my life since the day I was born. Every dog I've had has been a rescue. I would never ever jeopardize an animal's safety. Ever. I've worked with dogs in obedience, agility and shepherding training. I am not only a loving dog owner but a discerning one. The morning was a cool 73 degrees. I and others were wearing jackets. I rolled all four windows down and left the car for five minutes to pick up laundry, my car visible to me the entire time. I wondered why two people were congregated by my car taking pictures of my girl. Proud mama thought it was because she's so gorgeous. While I appreciate their vigilance and what must have felt like courage on their part, they were barking up the wrong tree."
Global News reporter Catherine Urquhart noticed the dog while walking in West Vancouver. She also posted a photo of the dog in the car on her Twitter account.
The 51-year-old actress, who is married to Canadian entrepreneur Ken Dixon, is currently shooting the TNT series "Proof" in Vancouver.
