No sign of protesters but man dies on first day of Crufts

THERE was police presence outside Crufts for the entire first day in the shape of either one or two large vans.
Despite numerous rumours of a small gathering of protesters and vandalism on cars and property, this was not substantiated and the only definite action was animal rights activists handing out leaflets in the car parks.
Sunday may be the day that those who want to vent their fears on the state of pedigree dogs’ health arrive in force. If they make themselves known they will have to stay outside the NEC, but this does not preclude them buying a ticket like everyone else and gaining access to the halls.
One of Crufts three major sponsors, Eukanuba, which has historically been the subject of protests from groups such as Uncaged, denied suggestions that they had hired extra security staff despite the fact that DW was told by a reliable source that the company was ‘nervous’.
A spokesman for Eukanuba, which belongs to the Procter and Gamble group, said: “Like everyone we want to make sure people can enjoy the show without any interruptions.
“We have security people all over the place but no extra ones. They are members of staff from Procter and Gamble who advise us on security. If something kicks off we need to be prepared and to advise people. Our P & G people are experts on security.”
Tragedy struck on the first day when a man collapsed in the halls and was pronounced dead in hospital. It is understood that he was the husband of a Border Terrier exhibitor.