Electrocuted-Dog Video Prompts Apology From Chrysler Group

A Dodge Nitro video that ends with what appears to be a dog's blackened carcass in flames is "in extremely bad taste," the Chrysler Group said late Thursday. It has asked YouTube to take down the so-called "viral" ad, although as of Friday morning, it was still possible to view it.

The ad was created by an agency supporting the company's Netherlands Market Performance Center, the company said. The video, which shows a dog being electrocuted by the Nitro, "goes far beyond the bounds of what the company considers appropriate," said Chrysler Group Spokesman Jason Vines. "Although European commercials — especially 'viral' ads like this one — are often edgier, this one went over the edge," Vines said. He added that the video "includes fictional yet inappropriate treatment of an animal" and "is in extremely bad taste." This is not the first time an automaker has stepped over the politically correct line with animal lovers. Ford triggered a storm of response in 2004 with a European viral ad that showed a cat being decapitated by the sunroof of a Ford Ka.