Meet Bella, the oldest pet dog

London, May 22: Bella was bought by her owners 26 years ago when she was three years old. Completing more than 200 in canine years, her owners believe the Labrador cross is the oldest dog alive today. ''I am convinced she is the oldest dog in the world,'' the Telegraph quoted Mr Richardson as saying. RSPCA, from where owner David Richardson claims to have bought the mixed breed dog, denies having any records for Bella and Guinness World Records said without the appropriate paperwork it could not be proved.

Gareth Deaves, records manager from Guinness World Records, said ''Unless we can a doggy birth certificate or some really clear evidence from the RSPCA then we won't be able to prove Bella's age and we can't list her as the oldest dog.'' The most recent record for the oldest dog was held by Butch, a 28-year-old from America who died in 2003. The oldest ever dog was Bluey, a sheepdog from Australia, who lived to 29.

UNI