TV hope for driving dogs

The SPCA'S famous driving dogs could star in their own television show.

Animals On Q director Mark Vette has confirmed he and the dogs are likely to appear in a new programme based on animal training, but referred other questions to his agent, Alice Shearman of Karen Kay Management.

Shearman said negotiations were under way to involve the three rescue dogs - Monty, Ginny and Porter - in a show.

The dogs became famous around the world after Vette, in whose temporary care they remain, trained them to drive a modified Mini in a campaign to encourage people to adopt SPCA dogs.

Shearman said the show would have the same ideals, but feared a story on it now would threaten the show's future.

"It's really the dogs that could lose out. It means they don't get exposure they need to get adopted. We really want them to be in the best environment," she said.

When told many people, including some from overseas, had already expressed interest in adopting the dogs, Shearman then said other SPCA dogs would be affected.

In December, Vette told the Herald on Sunday offers of work had arrived from "big movie companies, big TV shows and big sponsors", including Top Gear and Ellen, but the dogs' needs would be put first.

SPCA marketing manager Rona Booth said in December any adoptee would likely have to sign a contract that the dogs could only be involved in SPCA publicity.