Dylan Sprouse, Jim Belushi and Kris Kristofferson lend their voices to this family-friendly tale about a feisty pack of golden retriever puppies that embarks on an Alaskan adventure. When they find themselves stranded in the northern wilderness, the canine offspring of famed sports star Air Bud team up with an experienced sled dog and a husky pup, who teach them the importance of working together.
This movie contains 2 potentially triggering events.
According to the original American Humane Association Statement, referenced in the Complex article that the Jezebel article is referencing, 5 out of 58 puppies died and an unclear amount had fallen ill. 15 of the first group of 30 puppies had been removed from set after showing signs of illness, which is likely where the number 15 came from.
30 puppies were initially bought to use in the film, 25 from an American breeder. 15 fell ill, and 3 died. They were 8 weeks old when an American Humane Safety Representative saw them on the first day of filming and were even younger when they were brought to set, breaking US Department of Agriculture regulations at the time. This group was removed from production. 28 more were bought to replace them, at least 6 fell ill, and 2 died. [source: American Humane Association Statement, March 27, 2007]