“In a move which has left viewers and long-time fans reeling in shock, the US animated comedy Family Guy has knocked off a member of the Griffin familly.
“Brian, the family’s beloved pooch, was killed in an episode which aired in the US this week.
“The character has been voiced by Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane since the pilot episode, which was broadcast in 1999.
“We thought it could be a fun way to shake things up,” executive producer Steve Callaghan told US media.
“It had been suggested in the show’s writer’s room that a member of the family be killed off and after a length discussion it was decided that it would be Brian.”
