Animal charities have complained to Channel 4 after it emerged that the winner of Crufts best in show, Lee Cox, had a previous conviction for animal cruelty. Cox won the prestigious competition with his four-year-old Clumber spaniel, Bruin, but later reports revealed he was convicted in 2001 for keeping a spaniel with a chronically infected ear that required surgical removal. A court heard that inspectors found dogs covered in dirt and a strong stench of waste at his Somerset kennel.
The RSPCA and Peta have called for extreme breeds to no longer be eligible for prizes and for full vetting of competitors. Peta has also asked Channel 4 to pull the show from air. The RSPCA argued that dogs with extreme features—such as flat faces, wrinkly skin, or short tails—face significant welfare problems, including difficulty breathing, blinking, or exercising. Lauren Bennett, a dog welfare expert at the RSPCA, said Bruin's features had become 'extreme' compared to images of the same breed from 1900, and noted that Clumber spaniels often suffer from painful eye conditions and spinal issues.
This is not the first time Crufts has faced controversy over extreme breeds. In 2024, a French bulldog with 'no discernible nostrils' won a prize, and in 2016, a 'deformed' German shepherd with a sloping back won best in breed. The BBC stopped showing Crufts in 2008 after outcry, and Channel 4 took over in 2010. Norway has banned breeding of Cavalier King Charles spaniels due to high rates of a painful neurological condition.
The Kennel Club confirmed Cox's conviction but described it as an 'isolated incident 25 years ago', adding that he had an 'unblemished record' since and had made a 'significant positive contribution to the world of dogs'. A Channel 4 spokesperson said the broadcaster has no influence over judging but noted that its coverage reflects ongoing debate about dog welfare. The Kennel Club said all registered pedigree breeds are eligible, with health entry requirements regularly reviewed.
