RUFF DAY!
‘please stop’ beg Crufts viewers as they slam ‘appalling’ competition on Day 2 after RSCPA make complaint
Other fans also suggested the coverage revolves too much around Claire Balding and not the action of the show itself
CRUFTS viewers have slammed the ‘appalling’ competition on Day two.
This comes after a high-profile animal charity made a complaint about what the competition promotes.
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Pet enthusiasts have threatened to boycott Crufts following an incident with the judging.
Earlier today the RSPCA slammed the competition after a French Bulldog won a number of awards including Best of Breed and Best of the Utility Group.
They tweeted: "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."
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It seems many agree that the show is promoting bad breeding practises as users took to X - formerly known as Twitter in droves.
They slammed Channel 4 for broadcasting live coverage of the infamous competition.
One fan fumed: "Was meant to be at #Crufts this year but with everything thats been going on had to give it a miss."
A second angrily asked: "@Channel4 why do you broadcast #crufts ? Do you know how many medical issues some pedigree breeds endure due to breeding issues? Talk to vets. Crufts is complicit. #dogs"
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Meanwhile a third sarcastically pondered: "Wondering why @Crufts can’t do anything to support the animal rescue movement.
"Instead of perpetuating overbreeding and breeder profit.When there’s thousands of unwanted dogs in the U.K. #crufts"
Reposting the tweet from the high-profile animal charity, a fourth user stated: "@Channel4 see this - please listen to @RSPCA_official #crufts is complicit with perpetuating health issues - it’s appalling. Please stop broadcasting."
Channel 4 are broadcasting all the action live from Birmingham as 24,000 dogs are expected to descend for the three-day event alongside its digital station More4.
Handler of Crufts' best in show picks up terrier by the tail
Tonight's coverage of Crufts also included a debate about the government's legislation on the XL Bully breed.
But it seems the audience weren't liking what they were watching, as they would much rather see more direct action of the event itself.
More fans of the show took to social media in frustration as they claim there is too much attention put onto presenter Claire Balding.
One fan wrote: "Does anybody care about #Crufts anymore? To me it just seems like yet another pointless show for Claire Balding to front.."
"This @Crufts coverage on @Channel4 is absolutely terrible. They aren’t showing any of the Gundogs. It’s just the Clare Balding show 🙄🙄 #Crufts", claimed a second.
To that, a third viewer replied: "I know 🙄."
In a statement to The Sun, The Kennel Club - the organisers of Crufts - said: "Crufts is a unique platform to educate the tens of thousands of visitors and viewers on Channel 4 with a raft of information and advice about responsibly breeding, buying and owning a dog, and we have important rules in place to ensure we prioritise health in the show ring.
"The Breed Standards the dogs are judged to, are simply an overall description of a dog, from their general temperament to exercise and grooming needs – and this helps owners to pick a suitable pet for their lifestyle, but every Breed Standard makes it absolutely clear that health should always be a priority.
"Judges, using these Breed Standards, are looking for general fitness, healthy coats, good teeth and to ensure that any exaggerated features causing visible health issues are not rewarded.
"This is supported by vet checks for all dogs before Group judging, and for some breed winners, to ensure there are no visible signs of health concerns on the day of competition.
"We want the good practice we promote in the show ring to spread further afield and Crufts is a great platform to raise awareness of the many resources we have developed - from DNA tests for diseases, to breathing, hip, eye and elbow assessments - which can help buyers find the healthiest puppies."
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They added: "The vast majority of owners show their pets with great care but if we are made aware of any inappropriate handling, we will deal with it immediately via our disciplinary processes
"Competitors are constantly reminded of our regulations, and are given direction from The Kennel Club regarding the handling of dogs whilst in the show ring."
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