Crufts Poison Claims: 'Sabotage Not Tolerated'

Crufts' organisers have said sabotage will not be tolerated amid claims a dog was fatally poisoned at the world-famous show.

Irish setter Jagger, who came second in his class last Thursday, collapsed and died the following day after returning to Belgium from the event at Birmingham's NEC.

The animal's joint owners have said beef laced with unknown poisons was found during a post-mortem examination.

West Midlands Police was liaising with Crufts officials and the NEC to secure potential evidence.

Since news of the three-year-old's death emerged, there have also been reports that at least two other dogs may have been poisoned.

A second Irish setter apparently became "violently ill" on Thursday after sitting close to Jagger. The owner said it was "deeply worrying" and "very sinister" that there may have been attempt to tamper with his dog.

A Crufts spokeswoman said they were aware of reports regarding a number of breeds.

But she added that "unsubstantiated rumours about dogs being poisoned are just that at this point".

She also said no vets have raised concerns about poisoning and there have been no official complaints from any owners at Crufts 2015.

But she went on: "As with any international competition rumours of sabotage do occasionally surface. This of course is not in the spirit of competition and will not be tolerated."

The woman also said anyone who puts a dog's welfare at risk could face prosecution.

"Anyone caught attempting to deliberately sabotage another competitor's performance, particularly if a dog's welfare is put at risk, will face severe disciplinary action.

"Furthermore anyone who puts a dog's welfare at risk could face prosecution under the Animal Welfare Act."

Jagger was owned by Belgian Aleksandra Lauwers and Leicester-based breeders Dee Milligan-Bott and her husband, Jeremy Bott.

Mrs Milligan-Bott, who believes the suspected poisoning was a random attack, called it a "heinous crime" and she did not think another exhibitor was responsible.

Mr Bott said it was "out of the question" that other Crufts owners could have set out to kill Jagger.

Meanwhile, Mrs Lauwers wrote on her Facebook page: "To person who has done it, hope you can sleep well knowing you have killed our love, family member and best friend to our son."

The Kennel Club, which runs Crufts, said they were awaiting a toxicology report from Belgian police to shed some light on Jagger's death.

Crufts presenter Clare Balding said the situation is "awful for all concerned".

The four-day show finished on Sunday, with Scottish Terrier Knopa named Best In Show.