28 February 2001

'Crufts Will Go Ahead' says Buckley

In an interview for the BBC at lunchtime today, Kennel Club press officer, Phil Buckley said that Crufts will definately go ahead on 8th March as planned. He raised some doubt about the international element of the event which had intended to take advantage of the success of the Pets Scheme. He urged travellers to approach ministries in their own countries with regard to taking dogs home after being in the UK. But with even food containing animal products being confiscated at channel ports it looks highly unlikely that dog owners will want to take the risk. It is reported that Jersey has banned the import from UK of all dogs except those returning home and it looks increasingly likely that this policy will spread to France, especially if more Foot & Mouth outbreaks are reported. Within on-line communities there is some concern that the Crufts decision, which follows a meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food MAFF, poses an increased risk of spreading the disease similar to that of other cancelled sporting events. Talking about accepting new admissions into their care, the RSPCA has said: "No animals on the affected list will be received, moved or rehomed by any animal centres. Animals not on the affected list, such as cats and dogs, are still being admitted to animal centres or hospitals and can be rehomed. But to avoid the risk of animals passing the virus on, they must first have been kept apart from new admissions to the centre for a two-week period". Kennel Club Statement (Updated): "The Kennel Club would like to clarify the situation regarding its current position with the Foot and Mouth disease outbreak and the staging of Crufts next week". "Following a meeting between representatives of The Kennel Club and officials from MAFF, it is confirmed that Crufts will go ahead as planned. At this meeting MAFF also advised that Crufts poses no greater threat than other public gatherings. A Fact Sheet regarding this will be issued by MAFF imminently". "MAFF also confirmed that dogs and their handlers are not at risk from Foot and Mouth disease". Copyright 2001 Steve O'Malley (UKPets). This article may be reproduced with permission of the author and correct attribution to the source.