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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Rhian Lubin & Paige Freshwater

Biggest Crufts scandals - from poisoning allegations to conviction for dog bite

When the country went into lockdown amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the world's largest dog show was forced to twice cancel its show.

But it is making its return at the NEC Birmingham this week.

From March 10 to 13, dog lovers will be able to tune into Channel 4 to watch dogs compete in the "greatest dog event in the world".

However, despite being a well-loved event, Crufts has faced its fair share of controversy over the years, previously being rocked by allegations of poisoning and 'dangerous dogs'.

And within this, there have been moments when things just didn't go to plan - no matter how innocent it all started out.

As Crufts, organised by The Kennel Club, makes its long-awaited return, we have taken a look back at the moments which have stuck out in people's minds for all the wrong reason.

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Allegations of poisoning

In 2015, Jagger, an Irish setter, died a few days after competing in an event, sparking allegations of poisoning within the grounds.

A shih-tzu, a Western Highland terrier and Afghan hound also suffered serious illnesses, it was claimed.

It was originally believed that Jagger was killed in a 'murder' plot, but it later transpired the pooch digested the poison when he got home from Crufts.

According to the Kennel Club, a post-mortem found two poisons in beef that was eaten by the three-year-old dog in Belgium.

The two poisons are said to be banned in the EU.

Speaking at the time, Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club, said: "There has been a lot of concern about whether the poisoning happened at Crufts.

"We are now able to reassure all dog lovers who came to Crufts that this could not have been possible and it is highly likely that the poisons, thought to be on a piece of beef, were eaten in Belgium, shortly before Jagger's death."

Picking a dog up by his tail

Bopper, a Scottish Terrier and his handler Rebecca Cross dog at Crufts in 2018 (Getty Images)

Again in 2015, the winner of Crufts Best in Show came under fire after picking her Scottish terrier up by the tail.

More than 70,000 people signed a petition calling for the winner, Rebecca Cross, to be stripped of her title for alleged cruelty.

The online petition stated: "Strip Rebecca Cross of her Best In Show award at Crufts 2015 for her unduly harsh handling of the Scottish Terrier, Knopa.

"Under KC Rule A42 Ms Cross is guilty of 'behaving discreditably and prejudicially to the interests of the canine world' and should be held accountable," it added.

Mrs Cross apologised and said it was 'just a habit'.

Health defects from selective breeding

Members of PETA wearing dog masks protesting near Birmingham's Bullring shopping centre (PA)

The Kennel Club considered breaking its 140-year tradition in 2015 to officially recognise crossbreeds such as Labradoodles in its show.

It came after complaints about how selective breeding over hundreds of years has caused health defects in certain breeds.

Animal activists PETA slammed Crufts and claimed the dogs displayed "are bred for exaggerated physical characteristics that can have devastating and fatal health consequences".

PETA Director Mimi Bekhechi said: "Dogs are suffering and dying because breeders have a fetish for ‘pure’ bloodlines and disfigured dogs.

"PETA is reminding would-be viewers of this twisted canine beauty pageant that many of these inbred animals suffer from debilitating hereditary and congenital defects."

'Most obedient dog' bit somebody

Lorain Ronis was convicted of allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place (BPM MEDIA)
Eddie the Akita belonging to Lorain Ronis (BPM MEDIA)

An owner whose dog won an award for obedience ended up in court after her dog then bit into another pet owner's knee at Crufts.

Lorain Ronis, 52, had been celebrating after her Akita, Eddie, won an obedience prize at the prestigious dog show in March 2013 when the incident happened.

She was convicted of having a dangerously out-of-control dog, and was given a 12-month community order.

Dog stopping for quick toilet break

Five-year-old Libby pauses at Crufts for a poo (Crufts)

In one of the most memorable clips from 2012, a crossbreed competing in the agility course stopped partway through its run for a quick toilet break.

Five-year-old Libby was racing alongside her owner and the pair looked like they were doing well before the dog stopped to have a poo.

Despite making the wrong kind of impression on the judges, a commentator quipped: "A dog's got to do what a dog's got to do. What a shame.

"Oh dear, disqualified. What was the reason for the disqualification? Pooing on the course, now that's not very nice is it?"

Streaker interrupts judging

A streaker interrupted judging for the gundog group at the 2010 show, who ran around the presentation area with 'istreak.com' emblazoned on his naked torso.

Hairy end to the 1998 show

In 1998, it was calculated that 340kg of canine fuzz would need to be cleared from the NEC in Birmingham following the show.

Do you have a dog story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.

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