A really tall 'tail' being told at Magilligan

Internet site TheSpoof.com, which specialises on satirical takes on major news stories, last week claimed a row had erupted between the Limavady Borough village and a small town in Arizona in the USA which is currently home to the world's tallest canine; 7ft 3in Great Dane, George. The popular fake news article, awarded five stars by the site's daily readers, claims locals in Magilligan have been left angry after the Guinness Book of World Records dismissed their claims to hold the title. The article clams to have spoken to a number of spoof locals including local man "Stig O'Treacy" and owner of Magilligan's local pub the "Mallard Bar".

The fictitious story, emblazoned with the headline: 'Row Over World's Tallest Dog Intensifies', states:

"The row over just which dog is the world's tallest intensified yesterday as rival claims fought for the attention of the keepers of the world record books."

"Officially, George the Great Dane from Tuscon, Arizona, USA has been declared the tallest at a staggering 7ft 3in when standing on his back legs. Guinness Book of Records spokesman, Norris MuckSquirter said "George is undoubtedly the top dog. All other claims are dismissed."

It went on: "There was anger at these comments in Magilligan, County Derry. Local man Stig O'Treacy insists that his dog, Murphy, is taller still, at 8ft 2in tall. 'Murphy should be in that book. We invited that MuckSquirter fellow over here, but he has totally dismissed our claims. It's just so unfair.'"

The rib tickler claims the Magilligan locals are confused and that Mr O'Treacy's pet dog Murphy is actually a horse.

It continues: "However, MuckSquirter was unrepentant and insisted that the right decision had been made. 'When I arrived in Magilligan I asked where Murphy was. They took me to a field. I looked out into the field. I never saw a dog there at all. I did see a plough being pulled by a horse, but otherwise nothing.'

"The locals of Magilligan insist that Murphy was in the field. Speaking in the Mallard Bar, Seamus O'Hooligan said: 'He's a very versatile dog, that Murphy. You can plough a field with him, ride him over fences and take kids for a ride on him. Yes he is a strange looking dog.'On being asked what breed Murphy was, owner Stig O'Treacy said: 'I think the man in the pet shop said he was a Shire.'

The Spoof internet page claims to be one of the leading satire newspapers on the world wide web.