DeGeneres cancels show over dog drama

Ellen DeGeneres has cancelled tonight's episode of her talk show because of the drama she has faced this week surrounding a dog she adopted.

The comedienne adopted Iggy a month ago, but when she realised he did not get on with her cats, she gave him away to her hairdresser and her two daughters.

But when the pet rescue agency that had given her the dog heard about what she had done, they went to collect Iggy from the family because DeGeneres was in breach of the adoption agreement.

The move lead to DeGeneres making a public plea to return the Brussels Griffon mix, but she then asked for the furore to die down after the shelter, Mutts and Moms, received death threats over the matter.

A message posted on Ellen's website confirmed that tonight's show would not be aired, with a statement reading: "Ellen is taking a long weekend and will be back with a new show on Tuesday."