Pedigree pulls sponsorship of CruftsFresh setback for world's largest dog show after BBC documentary made allegations of unhe

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Pedigree pulls sponsorship of CruftsFresh setback for world's largest dog show after BBC documentary made allegations of unhealthy breeding methods




The pet food manufacturer Pedigree has ended more than 40 years of Crufts sponsorship following claims the dog show promotes unhealthy breeding methods.

In a brief statement, the Mars food group, which owns Pedigree, said: "After careful consideration, Pedigree has decided to withdraw its sponsorship of Crufts."

It is the latest and most financially damaging blow to the world's biggest dog show and its organiser, the Kennel Club.

Sponsorship of the event, which takes place in Birmingham in March, is said to be worth up to £500,000 a year.

In August, a BBC documentary alleged that unhealthy and sometimes inbred dogs were winning best in breed competitions at the show.

The BBC documentary, Pedigree Dogs Exposed, showed a prize-winning Cavalier King Charles spaniel with syringomyelia, a condition that occurs when a dog's skull is too small for its brain.

It featured boxer dogs suffering from epilepsy, pugs with breathing problems and bulldogs that could not mate or give birth unassisted.

Last month, the RSPCA said it would boycott Crufts, claiming the competition's judging criteria encouraged the breeding of "deformed and disabled" dogs.

The Dogs Trust has severed links with the show, while the controversy has severely strained relations between the BBC and the Kennel Club.

The BBC has appointed a scientific panel to assess the evidence in the documentary. If the panel backs the film, the corporation is to stop broadcasting the event after more than 40 years. The findings are expected next month.

The Kennel Club was infuriated by what it said was a "biased and selective" documentary. It is reported to have touted the rights to the show to rival broadcasters ITV and Sky.

A spokeswoman for Mars refused to say whether the documentary row had influenced its decision to pull out of Crufts.

It said in a statement: "The Pedigree brand has evolved, and we are prioritising initiatives that support the broadest possible community of dog owners."

Pedigree, formerly known as Pedigree Chum, was the principal sponsor of Crufts and has backed the show since 1964.

Mars said it was "looking forward" to working with the Kennel Club on future projects.

Rosemary Smart, the club's chief executive officer, said the organisation was "very sad to lose Pedigree from Crufts" but insisted next year's event would go ahead as planned.

The Kennel Club this month announced a review of breeding standards aimed at rearing healthier dogs.
 
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