Crufts opens to animal rights 'Hitler' protests

BREEDERS faced demonstrations and accusations that they are "creating a Frankenstein's monster of a dog" as Crufts opened yesterday.

Protesters from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) gathered with banners bearing the slogan: "Hitler Would Be Proud".

The campaigners also displayed posters featuring a white Maltese dog, pictured with a black comb placed across its upper lip to make it look as if it had an Adolf Hitler-style moustache.

The group accused the Kennel Club, which runs the competition, of promoting the breeding of dogs to achieve a "pure bloodline" at the cost of animals' health.

The Kennel Club said it was "committed to ensuring that every dog's life is as healthy and happy as it can be".

Communications director Caroline Kisko added: "We are very excited about this year's event, which will celebrate the unique relationship between dogs and their owners and the many ways that they mutually improve and touch each other's lives."