Animal Aid

Following a recent BBC One documentary (Pedigree Dogs Exposed), which exposed the breeding processes used to produce pedigree dogs and the high incidence of painful genetic diseases they suffer as a consequence, Animal Aid is urging the BBC to drop its coverage of Crufts - due to be aired in March.

Crufts, which is run by the Kennel Club, is well known for its strict rules on conforming to an ideal 'breed standard' of appearance. Pedigree Dogs Exposed compared practices at the Kennel Club with Nazism in its emphasis on breed purity. It is the 'breed standards', set by the Kennel Club, which, through selective breeding, have led to what a Shooting Times contributor and the RSPCA's chief vet, Mark Evans, have both called 'a parade of mutants'. Many Crufts entrants are deformed, disabled, disease-prone and in constant pain. Apart from the impact on the animals concerned, these problems often result in costly veterinary bills.

Whilst breeders continue to produce pedigree animals, because they fetch large amounts of money, thousands of dogs (and other animals) languish in shelters in need of a loving home. Animal Aid encourages people who would like to care for an animal, and who have the time, money, space and commitment needed, to always adopt from a rescue centre.