ANIMAL advocates have called for Channel 4 to dump dog competition Crufts over allegations over ill animals.
The Channel 4 coverage of Crufts 2022 began yesterday and will wrap up on Sunday, with 200 pedigree dog breeds competing to take the title of Best in Show.
But animal charity PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) slammed the 188-year-old competition saying it “is a pageant for unhealthy dogs who are often plagued by agonising hereditary diseases after generations of inbreeding”.
PETA started a petition for Channel 4 CEO, Alex Mahon, to follow in the BBC’s footsteps and refuse to air the program.
“The RSPCA refuses to attend the show, and no one who cares about dogs should celebrate this grotesque charade – nor should it be given a platform on British TV,” the petition read.
“With its obsession with “purity of breed”, Crufts popularises grossly exaggerated features in animals and awards prizes to dogs whose physical abnormalities make it impossible for them to lead a happy life.”
The petition also added that the “culture of breeding also has wider implications for canine welfare”.
“While breeders fetch thousands of pounds for ailing pedigree puppies, thousands of healthy, adoptable dogs in animal shelters are denied their chance at a loving home,” it read.
The BBC dropped Crufts from its schedule in 2008, two years before its contract to air the competition ended.
It made the decision after a BBC investigation “found dogs on show suffer from genetic diseases following years of inbreeding”.
The BBC explained at the time that the Kennel Club, which runs Crufts, could not comply with its request for particular breeds to be excluded.
This years Crufts has also welcome breeds never before seen at the dog show – the Smooth Faced Pyrenean Sheepdog – with two competing in the Imported Breed Register classes.
Compared with 2020, this year has seen an increase of 40 per cent or more in the number of Irish water spaniel, sloughi, lowchen (little lion dog) and Canadian eskimo dog breeds entering competitions.
Last year, the Best in Show trophy was won by wire-haired dachshund Maisie.
The prize has been awarded for 83 years – and 2020 was the first time a dog has pooped live on TV in the main arena during Best in Show.
Maisie marked her territory during her victory lap.
The Celeb Report has reached out to Channel 4 for comment.
