Romney 'terrified' Family Dog

Animal lovers hit the roof after it was revealed that Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney strapped his Irish setter to the top of his car during a 12-hour drive from Boston to Ontario, terrifying the dog and causing a health hazard to other road users.

According to the Boston Globe, the former Massachusetts governor placed the dog, called Seamus, in a kennel attached to the roof of his station wagon. He and his family then set off on holiday.

After a few miles, Mr Romney's son, Tagg, raised the alarm. A brown liquid was dripping down the rear windscreen. Seamus had suffered a diarrhea attack. The results made driving difficult.

Mr Romney pulled over, borrowed a hosepipe and washed down Seamus, the car, and the kennel - then set off again with the dog still on the roof.

The Massachusetts Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said the 1983 incident, which came to light this week, could be investigated. Mr Romney said the row was a fuss about nothing. Seamus enjoyed being on the roof, he said.