Behind the Bark: ‘Hudson & Rex’ Production Plagued by Dog Poisoning Allegations and Workplace Turmoil

Fans of the beloved maritime detective drama ‘Hudson & Rex’ were already grieving the loss of Diesel, the German Shepherd who brought the titular canine star to life. His passing in 2024, attributed to unrelated causes, was a quiet sorrow, with nephews Dillon and Dante stepping into his paws for Season 7. However, a recent investigation by the Toronto Star has ripped open the curtain on a far more troubling narrative, revealing suspicions that Diesel and three other dogs involved with the production were poisoned in October 2022 amidst filming in Newfoundland.

This revelation casts a long shadow over the show’s seemingly heartwarming premise, exposing a complex web of workplace disputes and alleged threats that predated Diesel’s eventual death. While Diesel himself recovered from the 2022 incident, his nephews Dillon and Dante also experienced symptoms but survived. Tragically, Mary, a non-performing dog who lived with the others, succumbed to her illness. Her loss was subtly acknowledged at the end of Season 5’s tenth episode, with a poignant photo of her and Diesel accompanied by the text, “In Loving Memory of Diesel’s pal Mary 2012–2022.” At the time, this tribute was the only public hint of the intense conflict simmering behind the scenes.

Unraveling the Workplace Controversy

The alleged poisoning incident appears to be rooted in a “domestic dispute” that escalated dramatically within the production environment. The conflict reportedly began between James Harris, a former grip, and a staffer with whom he was romantically involved. When Sherri Davis, the show’s head dog trainer and an executive producer, brought the situation to the attention of the production company, Shaftesbury, the situation reportedly worsened. According to reports, “threats” were subsequently made against Davis, her animals, and another employee who served as both a stand-in and dog team coordinator.

The specific nature of the suspected poisoning remains unclear. While the Toronto Star could not confirm if necropsies or other forensic tests were conducted to ascertain the cause of the dogs’ alarming symptoms, Shaftesbury’s spokesperson offered no explanation for why poisoning was suspected. Eyewitness accounts described the dogs struggling to breathe, lying on the ground, and exhibiting irregular limb movements – a distressing scene that undoubtedly fueled the worst fears among those caring for the animals.

Allegations, Denials, and Legal Battles

James Harris vehemently denied the allegations of poisoning, claiming they were fabricated by his ex-partner following their breakup, an attempt to have him removed from the set. In November 2022, Harris agreed to a peace bond with Sherri Davis. Davis had informed the court of her belief that Harris posed a threat to her or her property, a claim Harris refuted. The peace bond legally barred Harris from harassing or contacting Davis, or approaching her workplace, any ‘Hudson & Rex’ filming locations, or her home for a period of one year.

The legal entanglements didn’t end there. In January 2023, Harris faced charges of assault and uttering threats against his former romantic partner on the set. However, these charges were later dismissed after the Crown presented no evidence, according to a court official. Despite this outcome, Harris’s employment with Pope Productions, a subcontractor for ‘Hudson & Rex,’ was ultimately terminated. A letter he received informed him that an internal investigation, while finding insufficient evidence to support allegations of workplace violence, harm to dogs, or property damage, did conclude that Harris had violated the show’s workplace violence and harassment policy. The investigator found he had threatened a production company executive, used misogynistic and sexually derogatory language, and harassed co-workers about his ex’s whereabouts.

Harris maintains that he has never seen evidence to substantiate these allegations. Lisa Porter, president of Pope Productions, while declining to comment further due to confidentiality, affirmed that the company stands by the investigation’s conclusions. This complex interplay of personal conflict, professional conduct, and unconfirmed suspicions paints a stark picture of the challenges faced by those working on the popular series.

The Show Goes On: New Faces, Lingering Questions

Now, nearly four years after the initial incident, ‘Hudson & Rex’ has wrapped filming its ninth season, with no airdate yet scheduled. The show continues with Diesel’s nephews, Dillon and Dante, taking center stage. Dillon has assumed the role of the primary “hero” dog, with Dante serving as his capable backup. The enduring popularity of the series, despite the turmoil behind the scenes, speaks to the dedication of its cast and crew, and the undeniable charm of its canine stars.

Adding to the show’s recent challenges, the human face of the series also saw a significant change. Last year, John Reardon, who portrayed Detective Charlie Hudson, was replaced by Luke Roberts ahead of the eighth season. Reardon’s departure was due to his undergoing treatment for tonsil cancer, marking another unexpected hurdle for the production to navigate.

The allegations and subsequent actions underscore a critical, often hidden, dimension of entertainment production: the vulnerability of a tight-knit set to personal conflicts and their potentially devastating ripple effects. While the show’s narrative continues to captivate audiences, the behind-the-scenes drama serves as a stark reminder that even the most beloved productions are not immune to profound human – and in this case, animal – struggles, demanding robust oversight and ethical responsibility from all involved.