Fans of the long-running TV show Family Guy have been left shocked after Brian, one of its main characters, was killed off.

The talking family pet, who met his end under the wheels of a car in an episode entitled Life Of Brian, has been replaced by a new dog

voiced by Tony Sirico from The Sopranos.

Sirico is the voice behind new dog Vinnie

However, viewers have taken to Twitter to express their outrage and anguish at his death, and have even launched a petition aimed at

resurrecting the popular character.

Brian had been part of the animated show since it began back in 1999, and his demise came as a surprise to many given his key role in

plot-lines and central relationship with precocious baby Stewie.

The production team had revealed they were going to kill off a member of the Griffin family, and replace them with a new character, but few

expected it to be the articulate canine stalwart.

There was initially some doubt whether Brian's death was genuine, but the show confirmed his fatal departure with a tweet from its official

account: "RIP Brian. #familyguy."

The dog, voiced by Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane, bid farewell to the family in an emotional scene after being run over. Brian was

quickly replaced by the new family dog, called Vinnie.

MacFarlane, the show's creator, voiced the character of Brian

Steve Callaghan, the executive producer of Family Guy, said once the idea of killing off Brian had been suggested it "caught fire".

"We thought it could be a fun way to shake things up," Callaghan said.

"We got very excited about the way this change will affect the family dynamics and the characters."

Family Guy is now in its 12th series, and has been nominated for 12 Emmy awards.

And replaced with another dog
They'll probably bring him back as a ghost or something

uj_sizzle: And replaced with another dog
They'll probably bring him back as a ghost or something

Lol!!! But Its not fair as i enjoy watching the dog along with stewie.

I hope they won't lose Audience to such move. Brian made family guy interesting! So smart!!!

we nor go gree

But why

The New Dog... Vinnie...