Hollywood pets seek fame in court

One dog who made it onto TV...

A group of Los Angeles animal lovers convinced their pets were destined for fame are launching legal action against an animal training company.

The owners of Goliath the Rottweiler, Rusty the pitbull, Milo the basenji and Poopsie the Lhasa apso took their pets to Hollywood Paws in a bid for stardom.

The company offers media training aimed at winning parts in films and on TV.

Disgruntled owners say they paid large fees for no tangible reward, although the company says nothing is guaranteed.

Goliath's owner Rebecca Armstrong said she spotted her dog's natural talent at an early age.

Excited by his "cool" and "mellowness", she enrolled Goliath at Hollywood Paws, run by Larry Lionetti.

But she was left angry after paying out some $2,000 (£1,062) with little to show for her money - except a fleeting appearance on Tyra Banks' TV chat show eventually cut before broadcast.

"I lost a lot of money," Ms Armstrong said.

Parental pride

Lawyer Cynthia Mulvihill, representing the pet owners, said the animals put in for media training were like family to their devoted owners.

...and one who did not

Larry Lacourciere, owner of Wallace the labrador, admitted the same thing.

"He was only about six months old, and he could already do half a dozen things," he told the Los Angeles Times, adding that his wife wanted to see their dog on TV.

"Like you want to see your kid on TV. The same thing."

Mr Lionetti, who insists that some of his clients have won lucrative roles, maintains that the final say rests with producers and directors.

"Everybody knows down in your town that there are actors and actresses waiting on tables until a part comes along.

"Who in LA doesn't know this?"