An image purportedly showing a dog defecating on the steps of the British Prime Minster’s office is a digitally-manipulated fake. The photo actually shows Larry, the 10 Downing Street cat that has become a social media sensation over the years.
According to Snopes, the Photoshopped image has been circulating social media for several years. The photo appears to show a dog mid-poop on the steps of the British Prime Minister’s office, however, the image was altered. The dog and the excrement were not part of the original photo.
The real photo was taken by Reuters photographer Toby Melville in 2013 and shows Larry the cat being let into the residence by a guard. According to the caption, the photo was taken during then-Prime Minister David Cameron tenure. It reads:
A police officer stands guard as Larry, the cat, waits to be let in to Number 10 Downing Street in London August 30, 2013. Prime Minister David Cameron’s plans to join a potential military strike on Syria were thwarted on Thursday night when Britain’s parliament narrowly voted against a government motion to authorise such action in principle.
Larry, the “Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office,” has lived at 10 Downing Street since 2011. The British government’s website explains that “Larry was recruited from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home on recommendation for his mousing skills. He joined the Number 10 household and has made a significant impact. He has captured the hearts of the Great British public and the press teams often camped outside the front door. In turn the nation sends him gifts and treats daily.” The cat has captured the hearts of both visitors and social media users alike.
Here are some examples of people sharing the fake photo on social media:
Social Media Shares Fake Photo of Dog Defecating on the Steps of British Prime Minister’s Office
This dog is my new personal hero pic.twitter.com/KARz7FSQxt
— Giles Paley-Phillips (@eliistender10) November 30, 2015
Right in front of 10 Downing Street. Looks like the dog’s sending a message to PM Cameron & his govt. pic.twitter.com/KcIvNyLXgj
— Alhaji JohnKerry® (@saheedakinloye_) February 20, 2016
Bwhaaaa ha haaa! Even this Dog wants #DavidCameron out! #10DowningStreet! #ResignDavidCameron #DogOfTheYearAward ! pic.twitter.com/JdSCq90nre
— #HumanRights4ALL (@OneLadyLibra) April 9, 2016
Good dog #10downingstreet #govtwankers #doapoo pic.twitter.com/ZEg3Nokqk1
— Hannah Roberts (@hanrob_) December 3, 2015
Police Dog delivers petition to Downing Street #CutsHaveConsequences pic.twitter.com/1F7SKE0rJB
— Brad Jackson (@BJ_NYPolFed) November 7, 2015
Just when you thought you couldn’t get more crap emanating from Downing Street these days…… pic.twitter.com/rkCT966BR3
— Ivan White (@ivanwhite48) December 10, 2017
Have you seen the fake photo of a dog defecating in front of the British Prime Minster’s office circulating social media? What are your thoughts on Larry the cat? Sound off in the comments section below!
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