ES News email The latest headlines in your inbox twice a day Monday - Friday plus breaking news updates Enter your email address Continue Please enter an email address Email address is invalid Fill out this field Email address is invalid You already have an account. Please log in Register with your social account or click here to log in I would like to receive lunchtime headlines Monday - Friday plus breaking news alerts, by email Update newsletter preferences

A French court has reportedly called for a dog to give evidence in the murder trial of its owner.

A judge appointed a veterinary expert to question labrador Tango about who killed his master of 27 years during a hearing in Tours.

The suspect was told to threaten the nine-year-old mutt with a bat to see how he reacted. He then did the same to another dog, named Norman, so the court could compare their reactions.

Both dogs flinched when the alleged killer raised the bat, according to reports.

The suspect's lawyer, Gregory Lafarge, told RTL radio that Tango was expected to use its body to signal whether his client was the murderer.

Related stories





Mr Lafarge later tried to have the canine's evidence ruled as inadmissible.

He said: "This kind of experiment sets a dangerous precedent and is quite unfair on my client.

"So if Tango lifted his right paw, moved his mouth or his tail, is he recognising my client or not? I find it very troubling for the French legal system.

"If a judge ignores the demands of reason and surrounds himself with experts who are unreasonable, the system becomes very dangerous."

The trial is due to last until next week.