Turbulent Times For Crufts

A month on from BBC1's Pedigree Dogs Exposed programme, its turbulent wake refuses muddy waters the opportunity to settle. A very public spat took place yesterday between Caroline Kisko of the Kennel Club (KC), and the chief veterinary adviser to the RSPCA, Mark Evans, on Radio 4's evening news programme, PM. This came after the RSPCA said it was pulling out of Crufts and Discover Dogs. Today the KC announced that it has lodged a complaint with the regulator Ofcom, against the BBC.

The Club said today it:

"[I]s lodging a complaint to Ofcom in respect of the recently broadcast programme 'Pedigree Dogs Exposed' (BBC1) in view of its unfair treatment and editing and failure to fairly and properly reflect the Kennel Club's deep commitment to the health and welfare of dogs and responsible dog ownership despite being made aware in detail of those efforts in advance of broadcast."

In the immediate aftermath of 'Pedigree Dogs Exposed' it was rumoured that the BBC was reconsidering its coverage of Crufts next year. This led to speculation about continued major sponsorship of the event. In addition, breeder and show dog forums have posited the possibility of Crufts moving to another TV channel. Today, alongside its Ofcom announcement, the Kennel Club said that in the light of the 'Pedigree Dogs Exposed' programme, it is now reviewing its contract with the BBC.

The RSPCA of course, is well placed to assess health problems associated with certain breeds of pedigree dog and has been in discussion with KC over these issues for a long time. The move to dissociate itself from Crufts at this time is being seen not only as opportunist and hypocritical, but a step backwards in terms of cruelty prevention.

Many observers would prefer more, not less support in addressing the problem of pedigree dogs.