Crufts 2026: TV trainer Victoria Stilwell prompts welfare debate

Sharing a video with her hundreds of thousands of social media followers, dog trainer and television presenter Victoria Stilwell said she could "no longer support Crufts" until extensive changes were made to improve dog welfare at the show. The world-famous dog show continues at Birmingham's NEC with more than 18,600 animals involved and millions watching extensive television coverage. "But I don't think they realise that what they're watching has such a deep, dark underbelly," claimed Stilwell, who said she had previously observed, and reported, abusive handling by owners at the show. The Royal Kennel Club, which organises the show, declined to comment on the allegations put to it. The presenter, best known for creating and starring in the series It's Me or the Dog, admitted she was "not a great fan of dog shows". She promoted positive reinforcement training, and said she had taken part in the show for nearly 20 years, but felt it was now "time to speak out". "I've had a booth there with my trainers giving out training advice," she said. "So it's a really great place to connect with people to educate people, to have fun, to socialise, to be with your friends. "Crufts has been a hu