Crufts champion dog handler has previous animal cruelty conviction
The breeder behind Crufts 2026’s Best in Show award has previous convictions for animal cruelty.
Lee Cox guided his Clumber spaniel Bruin to the top spot at the famous dog show in Birmingham on Sunday, beating nearly 18,000 rivals.
But the champion handler had previously been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog in his care. Independent can reveal.
Mr Cox was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a black cocker spaniel named Adam after a three-day trial at Sedgemoor Magistrates’ Court in September 2001.
A Royal Kennel Club spokesman confirmed Mr Cox’s conviction but said it was “an isolated incident 25 years ago”, adding that Mr Cox “has had an unblemished record since then”.
At the time, it was reported that the Cocker Spaniel was given a three-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay £5,000 in costs after suffering a chronic ear infection that resulted in amputation.
Mark ran Kaston Kennels in Somerset.
Company home listings show the kennels dissolved in February 2018, but Mr Cox is listed at the Vanitonia kennel at the same address in Somerset.
Speaking after collecting his first prize for the Bruin on Sunday, Mr Cox said: “It’s really amazing, I mean what can I say? I can’t believe it. Thank you so much.”
“It’s a great thing for the breed. You know, it’s just… for the first time in my life I’m speechless.”
She added: “He’s just, he’s a dog of a lifetime, he really is. He’s very, very special. I absolutely adore him. He adores me too.”
It’s not the first time the dog show has been at the center of controversy. In 2024, dogs and their owners were evacuated from the ground after an animal rights protester breached security and attempted to unfurl a ‘Boycott Breeders’ banner.
Animal rights protesters from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) also attacked the show in 2018 for “highlighting the suffering of dogs bred by humans with grossly exaggerated characteristics.”
RSPCA dog welfare expert Lisa Hens previously said Independent It was stated that the organization has been expressing concerns about the treatment of dogs participating in the competition for years.
“At Crufts we’re aware of positive events, from agility to Flyball, obedience to Friends For Life. These events showcase the heart-warming bond between dogs and their handlers and help shine a light on just how smart man’s best friend really is,” Ms Hens said.
“However, we have long had concerns about the central element of Crufts – a dog beauty pageant that judges contestants primarily on their appearance without adequately taking into account their health or welfare.”
A Royal Kennel Club spokesman said: “We can confirm that Mr Lee Cox, winner of the Crufts 2026 Best in Show award in 2001, was involved in a case involving a cocker spaniel with a chronic ear infection. The court granted conditional discharge.”
“Convictions involving animal welfare are always reviewed by the Royal Kennel Club and due consideration will be given to how the courts treat such convictions. In this case, an appropriate sanction was imposed by the disciplinary panel reflecting the court decision and did not warrant disqualification. This was an isolated incident 25 years ago. Mr Cox has had an impeccable record in the 25 years since this incident and has made a significantly positive contribution to the world of dogs.”
Independent Contacted Lee Cox for comment.
