BUTT OUT, PETA...

Red Setter Ch. Buddwing

A product of the Purest Challenge

The makers of Pedigree Dogs Exposed, the BBC documentary film that led to the BBC withdrawing from televising Crufts Dog Show in the UK are furiouswith PETA for jumping on the film's bandwagon.Earlier this week, PETA called for the US networks to stop televisingWestminster Dog Show, citing the BBC film as evidence of unacceptable deformity and disease in pedigree dogs. Pedigree Dogs Exposed was the result of two years' careful research. The film highlighted serious health and welfare concerns in pedigree dogs that many experts agree need to be addressed urgently. However, the filmmakers have no connection to PETA and are ideologically opposed to PETA's aims. "I am horrified that PETA is using the film to further its own, warped agenda," says Jemima Harrison, of Passionate Productions, which made the film for the BBC. "Our film is about animal welfare, not animal rights. PETA's animal welfare record is appalling. It kills 97 per cent of the dogs that come to its shelters and admits its ultimate aim is to rid the world ofwhat it calls the "domestic enslavement" of dogs as either pets or working dogs. "In stark contrast, and the reason we made the film, is that we believe pedigree dogs are of tremendous value to society and that something needs tobe done to arrest the damage caused by decades of inbreeding and selection for 'beauty'. The film is a passionate call for urgent reform to save thembefore it is too late. To do that, there needs to be urgent reform of breeding practices and dog shows. "PETA is a bunch of crackpots who do not care about anything but publicityand making money. They have not bothered to contact us - and, indeed, if they did we would make it very clear we do not want their support. It devalues and marginalizes a film that raises a serious issue that needs tobe addressed, and quickly."

Well said Passionate Productions!