Cruft’s may not be as big as the X-Factor or Strictly Come Dancing, but for a week each year the BBC dedicates a regular early evening slot to all things dog, reaching 14 million viewers. It is a gift of a programme for dog enthusiasts, kids and the elderly alike with an hour or two of fun family viewing. But not in 2009.
In a welcome boost for animal welfare, the BBC has followed the RSPCA in boycotting the show over encouraging the breeding of deformed and disabled dogs. This follows a BBC documentary which reported serious issues over the health of some pedigree dogs because of years of inbreeding to produce certain physical traits. The BBC said that the show’s organising body, the Kennel Club, was taking “significant steps” to address problems. However it had been unable to reach an agreement over televising “at-risk” breeds. The RSPCA’s Mark Evans said “Hundreds of thousands of dogs are vulnerable to pain, suffering and disease because they’re primarily bred for how they look rather than with health, welfare and temperament as the main focus”.
You must log in to post a comment.