Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Animals interrupted live news and weather reports in all sorts of ways: a dog relieved herself in the background, a bat flew through a Tennessee studio, cats fought behind a remote interview, and a golden retriever ran off with a reporter’s microphone. These ten reported moments, from 2014 to 2021, show how an unscripted animal can change a broadcast without necessarily stopping it. They are presented chronologically, not ranked, and are examples—not a complete archive of every animal to appear on live television.
What counts as an animal “hijacking” a live broadcast?
“Hijacking” is a playful description, not a claim that an animal meant to disrupt a show. In the reports below, animals wandered into frame, made noise, approached presenters, or grabbed equipment. The incidents happened in different settings: television studios, outdoor live shots, and a reporter’s home during a remote interview. Some presenters carried on; others engaged with the animal, chased it, or relied on trained help.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The sequence follows the reported dates. It is not a ranking of the funniest or most famous clips: the available reports establish ten distinct cases, but do not show that they are the ten best-known or an exhaustive set.
1. When did a dog calmly relieve herself during a BBC weather report?
In 2014, Connie wandered into Carol Kirkwood’s live BBC Breakfast weather shot and relieved herself while the studio presenters watched. The moment is memorable for how little seemed to change in the forecast: Kirkwood continued her report as the dog crossed the shot. The presenters noticed what was happening and told her not to turn around. The BBC later identified Connie as belonging to a producer. TIME’s account of the broadcast describes the interruption and Connie’s connection to the production team.
Popular on Amazon
- Dog multivitamins chewable for skin & coat : Dog multivitamin is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E,which can relieve skin allergies,dryness,itching and other problems.Multivitamin for dogs nourishes skin follicles.Long-term consumption of dog vitamins multivitamin can make dog hair stronger and smoother,and reduce coat loss.The COQ10 in dog multivitamin chewable can resist oxidation and delay cell aging.Dogs with skin injuries can eat dog vitamins and supplements to promote wound healing
- Dog multivitamin relieves joint inflammation: Dog vitamins for hip and joint can supplement high-quality MSM, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate to promote cartilage development and repair. Long-term consumption of dog multivitamins chewable can enhance the elasticity and toughness of joint cartilage, improve joint flexibility, and move more freely. Dog multivitamin chews can reduce joint friction and relieve joint pain. Dog vitamins and supplements can prevent and improve dog joint problems
- Dog multivitamin chews are good for the gut: Vet-endorsed formula dog vitamins and supplements made from natural ingredients.Dog vitamins multivitamin chewables contain a rich blend of probiotics to support intestinal and digestive health.Dog vitamins for small dogs can regulate the balance of intestinal flora,help calcium absorption,and promote bone development.Dog multivitamins chewables improve energy metabolism,converting food into energy, making dogs more energetic in their daily activities
- Dog multivitamin chews protect overall health:Senior dog vitamins and supplements help improve blood circulation and prevent cardiovascular disease.Dog multivitamins chewable support normal liver function,promote liver detoxification,and improve negative mood.For dog with heart problems and older dog,taking dog vitamins and supplements in moderation is an auxiliary health care measure.Dog vitamins multivitamin helps enhance white blood cell activity,improve immunity,prevent infection and disease
- Dog multivitamins chewable promote brain development: The DHA in krill oil in multivitamin for dogs is an important component of the brain and retina. Dog vitamins and supplements can improve dog cognitive ability. When training puppies to learn basic commands, puppies who are properly supplemented with dog vitamins multivitamin will behave more intelligently and improve memory.Dog supplements & vitamins can prevent and relieve eye problems such as dry eyes and tear stains, and keep eyes healthy
This was a background cameo rather than an animal confronting the presenter or taking over the equipment. The contrast between the ordinary rhythm of a weather report and the dog’s very ordinary behavior is what made the live moment stand out.
2. What happened when a bat flew into a Tennessee news studio?
A bat flew into the Good Morning Tennessee studio in Knoxville in 2014, startling anchor Tearsa Smith during the live broadcast. Smith said the bat came close to her face and that she screamed on air. Unlike the calm dog cameo, this was a wildlife encounter inside a studio, and the response involved trained professionals rather than an anchor trying to catch it herself. Professionals caught the bat after several hours, with a plan to release it in a wooded area. TIME reported on the bat’s appearance and capture.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteThe incident is a reminder that an animal interruption is not always a cute or harmless on-camera exchange. The report describes trained help handling the bat; it does not support treating wildlife as a prop or assuming a presenter should approach it.
3. Why did a dog jump onto a Miami weather desk?
King, a one-year-old American bulldog mix, wandered into a WTVJ weather segment in Miami in 2014 and jumped onto the desk beside meteorologist Ryan Phillips. Phillips was working on a post-Thanksgiving forecast when King tried to lick him, turning the desk into an unexpected meeting place. He kept presenting while the dog engaged with him. Global News’ report on the segment identifies King and describes the interruption.
Compared with Connie’s quiet appearance in the background, King moved directly into the presenter’s space and onto the broadcast furniture. The report does not suggest that he was brought in to perform; he wandered through the segment and drew the meteorologist into the moment.
Also popular on Amazon
- Joint Health Supplement for Dogs: Cosequin is the #1 vet recommended retail joint health supplement brand, supporting joint health in dogs for over 25 years
- Contains Glucosamine for Dogs: Cosequin contains glucosamine hydrochloride (FCHG49) and sodium chondroitin sulfate (TRH122), plus methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). This unique combination of ingredients supports healthy joints
- For Any Breed or Size: Whether you have a young or senior dog, a small or large breed, Cosequin helps support their joint health
- Tasty Chews for Daily Use: Cosequin comes in a tasty chewable tablet, making daily administration easy and convenient
- Exceptional Quality: Cosequin is backed by science, undergoing thorough quality inspections to ensure your dog receives a safe, high-quality product. It is manufactured in the United States with globally sourced ingredients
4. How did a stray kitten become a Michigan reporter’s broadcast guest?
In 2016, a meowing stray kitten interrupted reporter Nima Shaffe’s live broadcast in Washtenaw County, Michigan. The noise made the kitten impossible to ignore, and the news team briefly adopted her as an on-air mascot. Local authorities and the humane society helped arrange care and a home. The kitten was later named Lucky Seven, and the report clarified that she was female. TIME’s report on the kitten describes the interruption and the help that followed.
Recommended Free Tools
This story has a more concrete aftermath than most of the clips: the interruption led to attention for a stray animal and support in finding care and placement. The useful detail is not simply that a kitten appeared on camera, but that local organizations helped address her needs afterward.
5. What was a loose dog doing in a Russian news studio?
A black dog barked and climbed onto the desk during anchor Ilona Linarte’s live report on MIR 24 in 2017. Linarte asked on air, “I’ve got a dog here. What is this dog doing in the studio?” The station later explained that the dog had been at the studio for another show and got loose. Scroll.in’s report on the broadcast records the exchange and the station’s explanation.
Unlike King, this dog’s appearance was traced to an earlier studio visit: it had been there for another program before getting loose. The on-air question captured the presenter’s surprise, while the later explanation supplied the context viewers could not see from the desk.
6. Did a Dallas reporter know a spider was crawling on her?
Not at first: in 2017, a spider crawled across Fox affiliate reporter Shannon Murray’s shoulder and arm during a live report on airport workers’ protests. Murray stayed composed, and later wrote, “For those asking, yes I felt it.” She explained that she did not know the animal was a spider until a viewer told her. TIME’s account of the live report describes the crawl and Murray’s later explanation.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Also popular on Amazon
- 8-in-1 Formula - Zesty Paws Multifunctional Bites are functional supplement chews with premium ingredients that support physical performance, antioxidants, hip & joint, heart, immune, skin, liver, & gut health for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes.
- Skin Health & Antioxidants – For animals with sensitive skin, this formula contains Cod Liver Fish Oil and Vitamin E to help maintain normal moisture and CoQ10 to help reduce oxidative stress.
- Hip, Joint & Performance Support - Each dog chew features OptiMSM, a premium form of MSM for muscular support, which works synergistically with the Glucosamine HCl and Chondroitin Sulfate in these chews for hip and joint support plus Cod Liver Oil and B-Complex Vitamins support normal physical performance.
- Gut Health & Probiotics - These chews also contain a six-strain Gut Health Blend (500 million cfu per chew) and a Digestive Health Blend to promote gut flora while supporting normal bowel function for dogs.
- Heart, Liver & Immune Health - Multifunctional Bites feature powerful antioxidants, premium CoQ10, Cod Liver Oil and Vitamins A, C, & E to promote healthy cardiovascular function, support liver health and enhance immune response.
This was an interruption the presenter experienced before she could identify it. That makes it different from the barking dog in a studio or the puppy that ran into a shot: the animal was on the reporter, but she did not immediately know what had touched her.
7. Was the Utah animal a cougar or a dog?
It was identified as a dog, not a cougar. In 2018, a furry animal approached a television crew during a live shot in Utah, prompting online debate about whether viewers were seeing a cougar, mountain lion, or dog. Utah wildlife officials examined its paw prints and identified it as a dog. The WILX/NBC News report covers the encounter and the wildlife officials’ identification.
The correction matters: early speculation about a predator is not the same thing as a confirmed identification. The report’s account supports calling this a dog encounter, not a cougar sighting. Among these ten moments, it is also the clearest example of an animal approaching an outdoor crew and viewers initially disagreeing about what they were seeing.
8. Why were Doris Bigornia’s cats fighting during an interview?
In 2020, Bella Luna and Nala started fighting behind Filipino broadcaster Doris Bigornia while she conducted a phone interview from home. Bigornia tried to manage the commotion while continuing her conversation. The report situates the moment in pandemic-era home broadcasting, when the interview was taking place remotely rather than from a studio. The Independent’s report on Bigornia’s cats describes what happened.
This was a background interruption in a home setting, not a studio newscast with cats entering the frame from elsewhere. The distinction helps explain the scene: the interview continued while the noise and activity behind the broadcaster became part of the live moment.
Also popular on Amazon
- SYMBIOTIC DIGESTIVE ECOSYSTEM: Our dog probiotics build a 4-way digestive ecosystem: Digestive enzymes pre-break nutrients for easy absorption, while probiotics + prebiotics balance and nourish gut flora. Pumpkin helps dogs with a sensitive stomach maintain regular bowel movements. These layers go beyond ordinary probiotics, turning every meal into steady nourishment, digestive ease, and enduring energy*—so your dog stays balanced and full of life.
- TRIPLE IMMUNE SUPPORT: Gut health drives immunity, and our probiotics for dogs target it. Probiotics help maintain a balanced gut microbiome and support mucosal immunity, while plant antioxidants* (Rosemary & Green Tea) and natural Vitamin E help protect immune cells from daily wear and tear. Formulated for triple immune support - helping your dog stay vibrant and ready for everyday adventures.
- DUAL-ACTION SKIN & COAT NOURISH: True skin and coat health starts from within. Gut and immune support work in sync with Salmon and Flaxseed Oils (Omega-3 & 6) to nourish skin and coat from the inside out. This dual-action care promotes a soft, shiny, and glossy coat you’ll love to touch.
- PURE INGREDIENTS: We believe in complete ingredient integrity. Every batch of our dog probiotic chews is crafted in GMP-certified facilities using trusted, premium sources. They are free from grains, soy, and artificial additives. This commitment to safety and quality ensures a clean formula you can trust for your dog’s overall wellness.
- TASTE DOGS LOVE: Made with natural duck flavor, our probiotic chews are loved by most dogs, even picky eaters. Unlike other hard chews, these soft, easy-to-bite chews are perfect for puppies and senior dogs. They help support digestive comfort, gut balance, and skin & immune health: areas commonly affected by occasional diarrhea, seasonal allergies, itchy skin, or paw licking. A tasty daily chew your dog will love.
9. What did Bob Barnard do when a puppy ran into his icy-weather report?
FOX 5 DC reporter Bob Barnard picked up a puppy that ran into his live shot in northern Virginia in 2021. He was reporting on icy weather and road conditions when the puppy appeared, and he checked whether an owner was nearby. Fox News’ report on Barnard’s broadcast identifies the reporter and describes the encounter.
The puppy changed the subject of the shot, but Barnard’s response included checking for someone responsible for her. The report supports those details; it does not establish what happened to the puppy afterward, so no later outcome should be assumed.
10. How did a golden retriever run off with a Moscow reporter’s microphone?
In an April 2021 MIR 24 weather update, golden retriever Martin jumped at reporter Nadezhda Serezhkina, grabbed her microphone, and ran. Serezhkina chased him, recovered the microphone, and interviewed him on air. ABC7 reported that the station described Martin as kind and said the two became pals; The Guardian identified MIR TV as the source of the footage. ABC7’s report on Martin and Serezhkina recounts the chase and the station’s account of what followed.
Martin’s is the clearest equipment theft in the collection: the animal did not merely enter the shot or get close to a presenter, but took the microphone and carried it away. The reporter’s response turned the interruption into a brief on-air exchange after she got it back.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What do these ten interruptions have in common—and what makes them different?
They are all reported live moments, but they do not show one standard way animals interrupt broadcasts. Connie and Bigornia’s cats were behind or in the background of a report; the kitten’s meowing drew attention without the same kind of physical contact. King and the 2017 Russian studio dog moved onto desks, while the Utah dog approached an outdoor crew. Martin took equipment, and the spider crawled over a reporter before she knew what it was.
Also popular on Amazon
- COMPLETE 26-IN-1 DAILY WELLNESS FORMULA: Our advanced multivitamin for dogs is formulated to help support 26 vital nutritional areas as part of a daily routine. With essential vitamins A, C, D3, and E, these gummies help support the immune system and contribute to overall heart and brain health for dogs of all sizes.
- ADVANCED HIP AND JOINT MOBILITY SUPPORT: Formulated with Glucosamine HCl, Chondroitin, and MSM to help support cartilage health, joint flexibility, and everyday mobility — making them a great daily supplement for large breed dogs and active senior dogs.
- SKIN & COAT SUPPORT: Packed with Norwegian Salmon Oil and Biotin, our dog multivitamin helps nourish skin from within and supports a soft, glossy coat. Omega 3 fatty acids contribute to healthy skin and coat as part of a complete daily nutritional routine.
- PROBIOTICS & DIGESTIVE SUPPORT: Features a Six-Probiotic Blend (500 Million CFU) and Digestive Enzymes to help support gut health, smooth digestion, and nutrient absorption. Cranberry Powder is included as part of this comprehensive daily wellness formula.
- UNBEATABLE VALUE 250 COUNT JAR: Our 250-count jar provides lasting daily support in a delicious chicken flavor. Made in the USA in a GMP-certified facility, our soft chews are grain-free and suitable for puppies, adult, and senior dogs alike.
The presenters’ responses varied with the scene. Kirkwood and Phillips kept presenting; Linarte asked what the dog was doing there; Bigornia tried to manage the noise while continuing her interview; Serezhkina chased Martin; and Smith’s bat encounter was handled by trained professionals after the broadcast. Those differences are more informative than treating every clip as the same kind of “animal takeover.”
Several reports also supply useful context that a short clip might not: Connie belonged to a producer, the Russian studio dog had been there for another show, Lucky Seven received help from local authorities and a humane society, and wildlife officials identified Utah’s animal as a dog. In other cases, the documented outcome is limited. A live interruption does not by itself tell viewers what happened to an animal afterward.
These examples do not establish how often animals interrupt news, how many people watched each clip, or which moments are the most famous. Individual stories may have attracted attention, but the reports do not form a comparable dataset. The soundest takeaway is narrower: live reports can capture unscripted animal appearances in very different settings, and the animals’ actions—not an assumed intention to disrupt—determine what the interruption looks like.
How were these ten moments selected?
The list uses ten separately reported incidents spanning 2014–2021, with a mix of studio broadcasts, outdoor live shots, and one remote interview. Each entry preserves the reported date, broadcaster or program where supplied, presenter, animal, interruption, response, and any supported outcome. The cases are arranged chronologically for clarity, not ranked by fame or humor. A separate 2023 BBC puppy report is noted in the FAQ rather than counted as one of the ten.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did guide-dog puppies interrupt Carol Kirkwood’s weather report too?
Yes. In a 2023 BBC Breakfast weather report from the Guide Dog National Centre, Kirkwood was surrounded by nine puppies; one chewed the microphone and another her hair. That was one litter interrupting one report, not nine separate broadcast incidents.
Are these the ten most famous animal interruptions on live TV?
The reports support these ten cases, but they do not establish a fame ranking or a complete archive. The order is chronological, not a claim that one incident was more widely seen than another.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Can the clips show how often animals interrupt live broadcasts?
No comparable statistic about frequency or reach is available from these incident reports. Individual stories may describe clips as viral or give view counts, but those figures do not make a consistent dataset.
Leave a Reply