Back in April 2009 a well known and then respected Mastiff breeder and judge, David Blaxter, along with his wife, was convicted of causing unneccesary suffering to the Mastiff, Henry. The poor boy was an elderly gentleman and he had been allowed to starve because of a tumour in his mouth which although noticed had been left unseen or treated by a vet. At the time of his death Henry weighed just 38 kilo's. David & his wife received a fine of just £4,130. The treating vet at the time of death has been quoted as saying it was the worst case of neglect and suffering he had seen in 25 years.

Details containing all the info can be found here

https://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.northamptonchron.co.uk%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fdog_suffering_the_worst_ever_seen_by_vet_1_888179&h=lAQDTokTY

Anyway, fast forward to today and not only is David Blaxter judging the OEMC Championship show on the 7th August 2011 but we have found out today that he is also to judge Mastiffs at Crufts in 2013 !!

It would seem therefore despite the statement on the front page of The Kennel Clubs website " The Kennel Club is the UK's largest organisation dedicated to the health and welfare of dogs." This does not apply if you have been convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to dogs as they are still happy to award you one of the highest accolade with regards dog showing.

I am personally appalled at this and it would seem that The Kennel Club and the OEMC are happy to sweep this fact under the carpet in the hope that no one will remember what has happened and in the meantime reward Mr Blaxter for his fine judgement and character. No matter what has been said in the past there can be no excuse for the condition Henry was allowed to get in - ignornace or the fact that Henry was old are no defence.

Anyway, I for one have expressed my opinions to The Kennel Club and they have removed both mine and anothers comments from their facebook page. I know others have made their opinions known elsewhere. One thing is for certain I shall not be supporting Crufts 2013 if David Blaxter is to remain as judge.

 
Posts: 1168
Joined: Tue Aug 27, 2002 7:53 pm
Location: U.K

I am in total agreement with you...it's a disgrace this man should be allowed anywhere near any dogs let alone be allowed to judge a breed he treated so cruelly..........I shall email the KC to let then know my opinion....for what's it's worth !!

Please see the duplicate topic here, which gives more information and alternative perspectives: http://www.champdogsforum.co.uk/board/topic/131903.html

Locked, please read duplicate thread :)