Crufts viewers hit out at ‘appalling’ competition after RSPCA make statement

The organisers behind Crufts are currently in the doghouse with viewers.

A host of pampered pooches and confident canines have been descending on Birmingham since Thursday (7 March) for the four-day annual event, but not everyone is like a dog with two tails at the prospect of it.

Viewers have been dubbing the world renowned competition 'appalling' and 'cruel', while the RSPCA have even shared a statement slamming the dog show.

Crufts, which is organised and hosted by The Kennel Club and is being broadcast live by Channel 4.

Social media users have been in uproar over the last few days after a French Bulldog was awarded a number of titles, including 'Best of Breed' and 'Best of the Utility Group'.

The owners of the triumphant three-year-old pooch, named Elton, said it was 'a dream come true', but activists have criticised the Crufts judges for crowning him the winner, claiming that it encourages bad breeding practices.

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Jemima Harrison, a documentary producer and campaigner for health reforms in dog breeding, said the French Bulldog had 'no discernible nostrils and an almost concave face' in a furious post on X (formerly Twitter).

"A terrible day for the breed. Am gutted," she added.

While another social media user said: "It's 2024. We know better than rewarding this."

A third wrote: "Shame on @TheKennelClubUK and breeders who continue to do this!! The Kennel Club seem to be in full support!"

While a fourth added: "It’s only going to make the breed more popular now. How sad. I abandoned watching Crufts a few years ago."

Someone else tweeted Channel 4 to call the show 'appalling', adding: "Please stop broadcasting."

And a final commented: "This is disappointing @Crufts."

The RSPCA then chimed in on Elton's success and chastised the dog show for 'celebrating' bad breeding practices.

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The animal charity wrote in a post on X: "We are so disappointed that a French bulldog with a short muzzle and pinched nostrils was awarded Best in Breed at #Crufts yesterday.

"We should not be celebrating these traits which can cause suffering."

The Kennel Club have defended their decision to crown the French Bulldog the winner in two coveted categories and insisted Elton had passed all his vet checks and was healthy.

They said that the dog had completed a breathing assessment before competing, which are mandatory for certain breeds.

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Charlotte McNamara, the Kennel Club’s head of health, told LADbible: "The health and welfare of dogs at Crufts is our priority, and the winning French Bulldog, Elton, has passed all relevant vet health assessments both within and outside the show ring.

"Elton has also passed the show vet check, which is given to all dogs before group judging, and to some breed winners to ensure there are no visible signs of health concerns.

"We continue to work collaboratively with breed clubs, vets and welfare organisations to educate breeders, puppy buyers and show judges about how health issues can affect brachycephalic dogs and urge puppy buyers to look for responsible breeders, who are using tools such as The Kennel Club / University of Cambridge Respiratory Function Grading scheme assessment."

Channel 4 said in a statement: "It’s extremely important that our viewers are aware of the issues surrounding the health and wellbeing of pedigree dogs and we never shy away from concerns raised about animal welfare and this specific issue has featured in previous years and in this year’s Crufts coverage."