DANCEHALL artiste Dadre is distancing herself from the actions of social media star Ivany who provoked the ire of the Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA) with a video that appeared to be a split on a male shih-tzu while promoting Dadre’s song Lucky Gal.

“I do not condone any activity that may risk the safety of animals, however, I can reassure you that Ivany meant no harm in creating content for the Lucky Gyal competition,” Dadre said.

Lucky Gal was released on April 8 on the DJ Treasure label.

Instagram followers were shocked when a video emerged on Ivany’s Instagram (IG) account on Monday. A lingerie-clad Ivany performed a split and straddled the male shih-tzu she called Louie, which had its four legs tied and splayed out on the floor. Then the video cut to Ivany dancing on her head. The US-based artiste Dadre doesn’t believe that the dog was in any physical danger and that the JSPCA may have overreacted when its managing director called for stronger laws to punish the type of behaviour shown.

“I don’t own a dog because of the time that would be required to care for the dog, but I respect all living things. Initially I was shocked but I didn’t believe the dog was in any danger. I honestly didn’t expect too much of a negative reaction to the video so yes, I’m a little shocked, but Ivany meant no harm,” Dadre said.

In the meantime, a video released for the Lucky Gyal single has racked up over 200,000 views since its release two weeks ago.

Pamela Lawson, managing director at JSPCA, is hoping Instagram will shut down Ivany’s account. This was the second time the controversial Wright has popped up in the cross hairs of the JSPCA. Locally, she is hoping to see more teeth to laws that protect animals.

“About a month and half ago she did something more suggestive with the dog, and if you think this is upsetting, you do not want to see that video,” Lawson told the Jamaica Observer earlier this week.

Ivany Wright is a controversial and polarising figure on social media. Last year she was given suspended sentences on larceny charges when she appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court. She was also shot in an incident in November 2019 in St. Andrew.