Anne's bull terrier must see the shrink
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Princess Royal will send her troublesome English bull terrier, Florence, which savaged a maid and killed one of the Queen's corgis, to an animal psychologist, it emerged last night.
The move will help ensure the dog is not put down for its Christmas antics at Sandringham.
An animal psychologist from Surrey who treated another of Princess Anne's dogs, Dotty, after an attack on two children in 2002 said he had been brought in to treat Florence.
Psychologist Roger Mugford told The Sunday Telegraph: "I am sure it is just a dog who is feeling a bit out of sorts about something, perhaps pain or old age and is feeling a bit cranky on the day.
"The timing has not been arranged, but it is likely that I will be seeing her next week.
"Cases like this have a high probability of being sorted out, and that's what I hope will happen next week. I am quietly confident, but I can't be certain."
The paper reported Dr Mugford may use human "stooges" including himself to re-enact attack situations with the aim of stopping the dog biting.
Dr Mugford, who normally charges £293.75 for two visits, said of the dog's behaviour: "There is probably some underlying medical factor. We are not talking about an inherently aggressive or dangerous dog," he said.
Florence savaged the Queen's oldest corgi, Pharos, on 22 December. The corgi had to be put down the next day. On 27 December, Florence bit the 50-year-old maid who was trying to clean Princess Anne's rooms at Sandringham.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments