Crufts winner's animal cruelty conviction prompts complaints to Channel 4

March 12, 2026

TL;DR

Crufts best in show winner Lee Cox has a previous animal cruelty conviction.
Animal charities RSPCA and Peta are demanding changes to Crufts' competition rules.
They want extreme breed features to be ineligible for prizes and full vetting for competitors.
Peta has asked Channel 4 to stop broadcasting Crufts.
The RSPCA wants dogs with extreme features that cause welfare problems to be excluded.
Cox's 2001 conviction involved keeping a spaniel with a chronically infected ear in unsanitary conditions.
The Kennel Club stated Cox's conviction was an isolated incident 25 years ago with an unblemished record since.
Concerns exist about breeds like Clumber spaniels and Cavalier King Charles spaniels suffering from health issues due to extreme features or genetic conditions.
Channel 4 states its coverage reflects the ongoing debate on dog welfare and it has no influence over judging.
The Kennel Club confirmed all registered pedigree breeds are eligible and health entry requirements are in place and reviewed.

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