Lassie boycotted by angry fans

The latest Lassie movie is under fire because the lead role has not been given to a descendent of the original canine star for the first time.

Fans of the legendary movies are outraged, as every Lassie film or television series since 1946 has starred a member of the first Lassie's extended family.

But Classic Media - who produce the upcoming Peter O'Toole and Samantha Morton film - insist there are logistical reasons behind their unpopular decision.

A spokesman says: "There are only a few bloodline Lassies that are trained sufficiently to star in a major film and unfortunately none of these dogs had the necessary paperwork - called a pet passport - to travel and wo rk internationally."