Dog show critics have claimed Crufts is “cruel” and a “Victoria sideshow of lifelong suffering” as the event unfolds in Birmingham.
Viewers of yesterday’s coverage on Channel 4 and More4 insisted the competition was more to do with owners’ vanity rather than the animals on display, with the breathing problems some dogs endure due to breeding practices again coming under scrutiny.
The RSPCA and animal rights organisation PETA also tweeted out concerns over the exhibition, with PETA describing Crufts as “a celebration of everything that is wrong with dog breeding”.
So is it time for the annual programming to take a walk(ies)?
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Why do people think it’s ok to exhibit sentient animals? I always get a feeling of dread around #Crufts weekend. Hundreds of dogs being travelled, prodded, caged and endlessly groomed for no reason other than misplaced human vanity. 🙁
— Emma Milne (@emmamilnethevet) March 7, 2018
Brilliantly put. Animal companions should only be bred with their own welfare as paramount, and not what humans think they *should* look like. #Crufts is a Victorian Freakshow of lifelong suffering. #dogsdeservebetter#BreedtoBreathe #muttimesup https://t.co/S0G9pftPT4
— Juliet Dukes (@DrDoox) March 8, 2018
The RSPCA tweeted: “We’re still concerned that many dogs are suffering because they’re bred and judged primarily on looks rather than with health, welfare and temperament in mind.”
And although some viewers were pleased Crufts has moved away from rewarding those breeds that may suffer from breathing difficulties, others were unable to move past the issue.
Crufts cracking down on prizes given to flat faced dogs that have difficulty breathing is a massive step in the right direction.
They serve as nothing more than symbols of human vanity. We somehow managed to destroy the majesty of the wolf and turn it into this: pic.twitter.com/wm4uw6YMDQ
— TweetyPie 🐝 (@nolkeD) March 8, 2018
#Supervet highlighting the breathing problems that breeds like bulldogs and pugs endure. The creation of such breeds and overbreeding, has resulted in immeasurable suffering, that’s why I don’t agree with #crufts it promotes and celebrates cruelty in my view.
— DrivingMissDaisy (@MeesyTheMinxy) March 7, 2018
There were also worries the breeding standard can lead to many dogs that don’t reach the bar being rejected and left without a home.
I don’t watch #Crufts because of the horrendous ‘breed standards’ it promotes.
Commercial dog breeders don’t deserve any support for producing ever more puppies for profit – while 1000s of dogs in pounds and shelters are desperate for owners + end up being killed.#AdoptDontShop— ((( Choosy Susy ))) (@ChoosySusy) March 8, 2018
And even though the majority of viewers enjoyed the broadcast, the feeling that Crufts may be slightly problematic viewing in 2018 did persist.
Oh thank god the best program ever is on again #Crufts has some controversy but I just love dogs tbh
— Olivia Richards (@itslivviliv) March 8, 2018
Thinking about it, #Crufts is incredibly cruel isnt it?
— Tom Cope (@ticope87) March 8, 2018
#Crufts divides opinion immensely. “Cute” for one is cruel to another. Let’s examine it with a very critical eye #dogwelfare
— thekarltonindex (@thekarltonindex) March 8, 2018
I wouldn’t go to crufts it’s just not my thing with all the dogs prancing about I think it’s cruel, but I would love 2 go look around all the stalls people get great stuff on the stalls I wish they did the stalls without crufts 😏
— coco&mitzie (@becci608) March 8, 2018
It’s basically more for the owners to show off rather than the dogs. Some of them clearly sound distressed when running around the course 😂 #crufts
— Abi Catford (@AbiCat_tales) March 8, 2018
Do you think Crufts has run its course? Should it be taken off TV?
Head on over to our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix to have your say.
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Crufts coverage continues until Sunday on Channel 4 and More4.