THE UNITED KINGDOM’S broadcasting watchdog is opening an investigation into the now infamous ‘dog-switch’ in the final of Britain’s Got Talent.

The winning performance came under fire for its use of a stunt pooch for a tightrope section of the act.

Chase the Border Collie was brought in to perform the tricky feat, as Matisse, the dog viewers had become familiar with, was afraid of heights.

The show’s organisers had apologised for not making it clear that multiple dogs would be used, and the dogs’ trainer Jules O’Dwyer explained that Chase is used as the “action dog”.

Ofcom received some 1,150 complaints following the act. A statement this morning read:

We’ve opened an investigation to determine whether viewers of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent final, who may have paid money to vote, were misled about the competition.

Jules and Matisse received 22.6% of the 4.5 million votes cast, each a cost of 50p, winning them €345,000 and the chance to perform in front of Queen Elizabeth.

Read: Britain’s Got Talent producers apologise for ‘switched dog’ stunt >