Demon of Dartmoor? That's just another shaggy dog story - Update

An animal dubbed the Beast of Dartmoor after photos were taken of a hairy four-legged creature was actually a pet dog, its owner claims.

Newfoundland Troy, who weighs 12 stone (76kg), is no man-eater, said her owner Lucinda Reid from Heathfield.

"He's a gentle giant. My five-year old daughter lies on top of him," she said.



School cook Mrs Reid, 36, said "When I saw the photo I thought it was like a Newfoundland.

"Then I saw that it was Hounds Tor where we go every weekend. It had to be Troy. I have never seen another Newfoundland up on the moor."

The mystery of the "beast" arose after falconer Martin Whitley took a picture of a wandering figure near Hound Tor. He maintains it was a big cat.

There are more photos here and here.