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December 12, 2008updated 13 Dec 2008 6:12pm

Panorama investigation prompts BBC to abandon Crufts

By martinabooth

The BBC will not broadcast Crufts next year after a Panorama investigation earlier this year found that dogs featured on the show suffered from genetic diseases as a result of in-breeding.

The Kennel Club, which runs Crufts, said that coverage was being dropped because it could not comply with the BBC’s request that particular breeds be excluded from the show. It said the documentary, Pedigree Dogs Exposed, did not reflect its ‘deep commitment to the health and welfare of dogs”

The RSPCA, The Dogs Trust and sponsor Pedigree have all withdrawn their support for the show.

Crufts, currently going into its 118th year, has been covered by the BBC for the past 40 years.

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