Here's what we know:
* Real animals were used: The three main animals, a cat, a dog, and a goose, were real and were not CGI or computer-generated.
* Animals were subjected to harsh conditions: They were filmed in extreme weather, traveled long distances, and were often put in stressful situations, such as being chased by wolves and bears.
* Animal welfare was a concern: While the producers claimed to have taken precautions to protect the animals, many animal welfare organizations and experts raised concerns about the safety and ethical treatment of the animals involved.
Specific details of the animal treatment are hard to come by as there's no definitive documentation of what happened behind the scenes. However, the film's legacy and the public's awareness of animal welfare issues at the time led to a broader discussion about the use of animals in film productions.
Today, animal rights organizations and film industry standards are much more strict. The use of animals in films is tightly regulated, and productions are held accountable for ensuring their safety and well-being.
While we can't say for certain what happened during the filming of "The Incredible Journey," the film serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical treatment of animals in film and media.