Breeders tell of protest fears.

PREENED, pampered and ready for the ring at Crufts - thousands of dogs have arrived in Birmingham hoping to get their paws on the Best In Show top prize.

Doting owners from across the globe arrived at the NEC yesterday for the start of the event, which ends on Sunday.

Some breeders told of their fears for Crufts in the wake of the BBC's Pedigree Pets Exposed programme. Organisers have tried to shrug off a storm sparked by the documentary which claimed that breeding for show standards was being put above the health of animals.

The broadcaster pulled out after it was unable to reach agreement about the inclusion of so-called "at risk" dogs and animal rights protesters are expected at the NEC.

Miniature wire-haired dachshund owner Jenny Earles, 62, from Coventry, said: "It's a bit scary because there's been talk of protesters coming in here and letting dogs out which could cause an awful accident."

The Kennel Club expects crowds to match the 160,000 of last year and the 28,000 entrants over the four days is the third biggest entry since Crufts started in 1891.

Despite not being able to rely on the usual 14 million BBC viewers, for the first time in its history the event will be screened online at www.

cruftslive.tv

CAPTION(S):

A Basset Hound looks forlorn on the first day of the competition. Picture: Jeremy Pardoe Photo ref.: JP050309Dog-17