For the love of dogs

Every year, Ann Marie Burns, of Tow Law, County Durham, takes her beloved West Highland Terriers and Bichon Frises to more than 30 dog shows across the UK. Often, she brings a caravan and enjoys barbecues and meals out with the many friends she has made through dog showing. It is a chance for the professional dog groomer and breeder to show off her pedigree pooches to other animal lovers, while marvelling dogs from all over the world.

Ann Marie explains: “We are all there because we love dogs. It is almost like a day out with the kids, you get to spend the whole day with your dog and chat to people who share your passion.

“I have made so many friends from many different countries. It really is a lovely thing to do.”

Ann Marie’s description of dog showing challenges the recent negative publicity the sport has attracted. The death of Jagger, a prize-winning Irish setter, after Crufts at Birmingham’s NEC last week made headlines the world over. Jagger’s owners believe the dog, which came second in his class at on Thursday, March 5, was poisoned at the show. He died after returning to Belgium. Speaking to BBC Radio 4 co-owner Jeremy Bott says: “When the vet opened up his stomach, she found cubes of meat - some sort of beef-like steak - and they had been sewn up with poison inside.

"She thinks there were possibly two or three types of poison.

"I think she identified one as a slug killer. I would guess that the other would turn out to be a rat poison or some industrial type of poison."

It was later reported a further six dogs, namely two Shetland sheepdogs, a West Highland White Terrier, an Afghan Hound and a Shih Tzu, may also have been poisoned.

Tales of intense rivalry between competitors and breeders jeopardising their dog’s health to enhance desirable features surfaced in the uproar that followed.

However, Mr Bott has spoken out against this.

"I don't believe in my heart of hearts that this was another competitor or anyone involved in the dog world,” he says.

"I can only imagine that it was a random act that somebody premeditated and wanted to cause total distress at the best dog show in the world.”

Ann Marie, who runs Top Trimz dog grooming business in Consett, is a regular at Crufts.

Last year, her Bichon Frise, named Burneze Northern Echo after her local newspaper, took the title in the Special Puppy Bitch class, and this year Purely Belter, an eight-month-old West Highland Terrier, won the Minor Puppy class.

She has bred dogs for 25 years and counts Harry Potter author JK Rowling among her customers.

Ann Marie, 45, says: “I attend 32 dog shows a year and, if you think of all the thousands of dogs involved, this is clearly an isolated incident and not a true reflection on what happens.

“It’s obviously terrible for the owners and my heart goes out to them.”

Ann Marie says a mutual love of dogs more often led to friendship than rivalry, adding: “It’s so sad to see some of the news coverage. It makes dog showing seem horrible when it is not like that at all.”

Sarah Allsopp, chairman of Darlington Dog Show Society, shares this sentiment.

“In my experience there is a sense of healthy competition rather than rivalry,” she says. “Most people are more interested in encouraging newcomers and enjoying the day.”

The Kennel Club, which organises Crufts has stressed there is no evidence as yet to prove Jagger or any other dogs were poisoned at the competition.

Secretary Caroline Kisko says concerns surrounding the welfare of dogs at Crufts are taken with the utmost of seriousness, adding: “While there is a great deal of rumour and speculation and currently no evidence of any poisoning taking place at Crufts we are very clear that anyone caught attempting to deliberately sabotage another competitors performance, particularly if a dog’s welfare is put at risk, will face severe disciplinary action, which could include a ban on competing at all Kennel Clun licensed events.

“Furthermore, anyone who puts a dog’s welfare at risk could a face prosecution under the Animal Welfare Act.”