Crufts Is Still In Disgrace!

Today (Sunday 8th march) is the last day of Crufts 2009 and Crufts is still in disgrace!

I didn't go to Crufts this year.

Do you remember the BBC documentary "Pedigree Dogs Exposed" directed by Jemima Harrison? (See my archive 26/8/08 and 29/10/08)
It revealed the health problems caused by the inbreeding of pedigree dogs.

There was an uproar about it. And quite right too! How can a pekingese who couldn't breathe properly win Best In Show?

Since the showing of Pedigree Dogs Exposed on BBC1 there has been outrage, protests, loss of sponsorship and withdrawals of support.

• Pedigree Foods withdrew their sponsorship of Crufts
• The BBC are not broadcasting the Show
• Dog's Trust (a major dog welfare charity) have withdrawn their support
• The PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals) have withdrawn
• The RSPCA have withdrawn their support

I believe that other organisations have also withdrawn.

I had a look at the Trade Stands list on the Crufts 2009 website. Some names that I have seen at previous shows were not in the list.

Crufts have had a shock and I hope that they sit up and take notice and ACTUALLY DO SOMETHING POSITIVE!!!

Jemima Harrison was not allowed to film at Crufts this year. However she has gone as a paying visitor and reports that nothing has changed. A Sunday Times headline of March 8th says : "Nothing’s breedin’ changed at Crufts, mate"

Protesters have planned to be at Crufts this year.

Let us hope that something good comes out of all this for the sake of the dogs.

Crufts could change and become a showcase of all that is good in the dog world.

Crufts - Pedigree Pull Out Of Their Sponsorship Deal !

The fallout from the Pedigree Dogs Exposed program continues !!!

Well-respected organisations like the RSPCA and Dogs Trust have already severed links with the Crufts Dog Show. Last month they announced that they were withdrawing from the dog show. It now seems that other exhibitors may also quit.

Crufts main sponsor, Pedigree Pet Foods, have withdrawn their estimated £1.5 million deal. Pedigree have been associated with Cruft's for the past 44 years.

Some dog experts are now concerned for the show's long-term future. However, the Kennel Club have said that next year's dog show will go ahead as normal.

But will the BBC , who cover the show over it's four days, be there???

On a positive note, the Kennel Club and the Dogs Trust are to review breeding standards for over 200 dog breeds.
The first breeds to be reviewed will be : Basset Hound, BloodHound, Bulldog, Clumber Spaniel, German Shepherd, Mastiff, Pekingese, and St. Bernard.

Cruft's has been running since 1891. But will it continue without major change?

Well The Show's over For Another Year ... Crufts Dog Show That Is!

Hi, Sorry that I've been absent for a while. Both my wife and myself had a really bad tummy bug. (There's a lot been going around!). I didn't have the energy to do other than what was necessary. We even missed out on going to Crufts!!!
I did get to watch it on TV and managed to lose myself in the doggy world for a while.
It was useful being able to go through the red button to get the extra stuff on freeview.

Two things always stand out for me at Crufts dog show.
The first and most important is the dedication and love that people from all walks of life have for dogs. It gives me hope for the human race!
Secondly, you get to meet all sorts of dogs that you don't meet every day. It's a real eye opener. The range of sizes, shapes, coats, abilities, etc is amazing.

I thought that the 'Friends For Life' feature was fantastic. That little girl with cerebral palsey touched my heart. She has a true friend in her dog.

Mary Rae was as brilliant as ever with her exhibition of heel work with dogs. Its good to see so many people getting involved.

I thought that the Best in Show deserved to win. (I still hope that a greyhound is going to win again one day!)

So I hope that you all enjoyed the show,either on the telly or by being there. If you haven't been it's well worth the effort. There is so much to see. And ,as I said, the love of dogs really shines through.

Speak to you again soon, Ti