As a dog owner, I cannot accept that anyone with a proven history of animal cruelty could be allowed to stand on Crufts’ biggest stage and be celebrated.

Crufts is meant to represent the very highest standards of animal welfare, responsible ownership, and respect for dogs. That is exactly why this matters — and why so many people feel shocked and deeply upset at the idea that someone with previous animal cruelty convictions could hold a Crufts title.

Lee Cox, who won the coveted world title this week for his Clumber spaniel Bruin, was prosecuted by the RSPCA over 20 years ago after complaints of the “disgusting” state of his kennels. Magistrates found in 2001 that Cox and business partner Roger Stone kept a cocker spaniel with a chronically-infected ear that resulted in the dog having its inner ear surgically removed. They were not banned from keeping dogs.

What we are asking for

• We call on The Kennel Club to:
• Immediately review the eligibility of the recent Crufts winner.
• Strip the title if the individual has confirmed previous convictions for animal cruelty.
• Introduce or enforce a lifetime ban on owning, breeding, or showing animals at Crufts for anyone with animal cruelty convictions.

Why this matters
Crufts is not just another competition, it is the most prestigious dog show in the world; watched and respected by animal lovers everywhere. When someone is awarded a Crufts title, it sends a message about what the sport stands for.

Allowing anyone with a history of animal cruelty to keep such a title undermines the integrity of Crufts and sends a dangerous signal that welfare standards are flexible when it’s inconvenient to enforce them.

Animal lovers expect competitors at Crufts to demonstrate the highest level of care, compassion, and responsibility. People with a history of cruelty should not be rewarded with titles or recognition in an event that claims to celebrate the welfare and wellbeing of dogs.

We believe The Kennel Club must act now — to protect the reputation of Crufts, to uphold strong animal welfare standards, and to make it clear that cruelty and prestige can never sit side by side.

Update as of 12th March - Thank you to everybody that has supported this so far. My next step is to send an email to The Kennel Club asking for a response in relation to this. I am also hoping to speak to the media. I will update when I have one. 

Update as of 14th March

Thank you to everyone who has supported this petition. In just over three days we have reached over 21,000 signatures. The petition has now been formally sent to The Kennel Club requesting a review of the Crufts Best in Show title