In a statement released yesterday (28 February), the Kennel Club has announced that Russian exhibitors won’t be allowed to take part to Crufts. The dog show is set to make a comeback on the 10-13 March 2022, after its cancellation in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The statement reads, “The Kennel Club, as organiser of Crufts, condemns by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
“In the light of rapidly evolving circumstances, it is with a heavy heart we have taken the decision not to allow exhibitors from Russia to compete at Crufts 2022. This is a testament to our sadness and concern about this situation, which we recognise is driven by the leaders of the country and not the people.
“Our hearts and thoughts are with everyone within our community, and those beyond, who are affected by this violation of human rights. Our friends in Ukraine, and their dogs, are fearing for their lives and we will do all that we can to support them wherever possible.”
“The invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Army has also put entire families of our dog community in complete distress”
The Kennel Club was not the only canine organisation to take action. The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI), the largest canine organisation of the world, stated, “The FCI and its General Committee officially condemn the invasion of Ukraine by the armed forces of the Russian Federation. This conflict and aggression cannot leave anybody indifferent and we all feel concerned, sad and angry.
“The invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Army has also put entire families of our dog community in complete distress. This war has placed our breeders and their dogs at great risk, directly threatening their welfare and their lives. Many had to flee, others are surviving in precarious conditions, hiding in shelters where food and basic commodities are becoming very scarce. Yet, in these terrible and trying times, they did not abandon their dogs!”
Following an extraordinary meeting on Sunday, 27 February 2022, the FCI has stated, “From the 1st March 2022, and until further notice, the Russian Kynological Federation (RKF) will not be allowed to conduct – on the Russian Territory – any event wherein FCI titles or prizes are awarded (CACIB shows, CACIT trials, CACIAG competitions, etc.)
“In order to give the opportunity to our Members/Contract Partners and any other persons to express their solidarity and help towards the Ukrainian people, their dog lovers/breeders/keepers, the FCI will open a bank account, specially for this purpose, where all donations are welcome and will be forwarded, with full transparency, to help the Ukrainian Kennel Union (UKU) and the Ukrainian breeders badly affected by the war and in serious need, living either in Ukraine or having fled to neighbouring countries.
“The FCI will contribute to this fund in a substantial manner.”