A petition created by a South Holland woman calling for a review of this year’s Crufts winner has more than 23,000 signatures.
Kylie-Jo Cope wants winner Lee Cox stripped of his title as he has a previous conviction for animal cruelty.
“I cannot accept that anyone with a proven history of animal cruelty could be allowed to stand on Crufts’ biggest stage and be celebrated,” she said.
As of Tuesday evening, 23,620 people had backed Kylie and signed the petition on the Change.org website.
“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 it stands for,” she said.
Mr Cox won the Best In Show with his Clumber Spaniel at the Birmingham NEC last weekend (March 8).
He was convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to a spaniel called Adam who had been used for breeding.
The dog had a chronically infected ear that needed to be surgically removed.
Mr Cox was convicted in 2001 following a three day trial at Sedgemoor Magistrates Court.
The Kennel Club released a statement regarding the petition this week.
“We can confirm that in 2001, Mr Lee Cox, winner of the Crufts 2026 Best in Show award, was involved in a court case relating to a Cocker Spaniel who had a chronic ear condition.
“The court issued a conditional discharge. Convictions involving animal welfare are always reviewed by the Kennel Club and due reflection will be given to the way courts treat such convictions.
“In this case an appropriate sanction was imposed by the disciplinary committee. This was an isolated incident 25 years ago.
“Mr Cox has an unblemished record in the 25 years since this incident, making a significant positive contribution to the world of dogs.”
Speaking on Tuesday, Kylie said she had been ‘blown away’ by the level of support the petition had attracted in less than two weeks.
She hadn’t received any response from the Kennel Club about it.
“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,” said Kylie.
She is asking the Kennel Club to review the win and strip the title from Mr Cox as he had a previous conviction for animal cruelty.
“We believe the Kennel Club must act now to protect the reputation of Crufts,” she added.
