LETTER THEY DRAFTED

WE write further to an article on 11 March 2020 entitled ‘Dilyn the Downing Street dog to be reshuffled’.

This article is based on a wholly false premise and contains a number of highly inaccurate claims published in spite of categorical on the record denials by Downing St.

To be absolutely clear, it is completely false to allege that Dilyn will be rehoused now or at any point in the future.

Furthermore, it is also totally untrue to suggest that he suffers from chronic ill health.

Dilyn is and always will be a much-loved member of our family. He is a happy and healthy dog and making a claim to the contrary is entirely without foundation.

The article also makes a number of highly inaccurate damaging allegations about our home and private life.

These are not only false but a gross invasion of our privacy.

Despite our complaint, the paper has refused to publish a suitable apology and correction. The article is extremely upsetting and hurtful, particularly given our well-documented commitment to animal welfare. As a result of publication of the article we have received and continue to receive abuse from concerned members of the public misled into believing that we would callously rehome our muchloved family dog.

It is hugely disappointing that you have failed to take responsibility for the damage you have caused by publishing these untrue and unwarranted claims.

We have been offered the opportunity to have a letter published outlining our position. This is inadequate and unacceptable.

Despite our best efforts towards amicable resolution, we have no option but to pursue the matter formally with IPSO (the Independent Press Standards Organisation) for full and proper recourse.

The article is in breach of the Editor’s Code of Practice in terms of Clause 1 (Accuracy), Clause 2 (Privacy), Clause 3 (Harassment) and Clause 6 (Children).

We look forward to hearing from you as a matter of urgency.