CRUFTS viewers have taken aim at Channel 4 as they branded the competition as 'cruel and disgraceful'.
The iconic event, which is organised by The Kennel Club and hosted by Clare Balding, is back for 2024.
Both Channel 4 and its digital station More4 are broadcasting all the live action from Birmingham as 24,000 dogs are expected to descend over the three-day event.
However, as the first day kicked off from the National Exhibition Centre, fans watching at home have been left fuming.
They've taken aim at Crufts and accused it of being 'cruel' to the breeds of dogs taking part.
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Channel 4 viewers also said bosses aren't doing enough to stamp out bad breeding practices.
Posting on social media, one viewer raged: "Just seeing Crufts and really dislike how dogs are handled, wound up, collars pulled and held back. Just looks cruel."
A second wrote: "What are you doing to call out bad breeding/ flat faced bulldogs/ cropped ears / hip displacia / no limit on breeding bitches for puppy farmers / no licence for stud dogs etc etc. Shame on you."
A third penned: "What a shame that @crufts and the @TheKennelClubUK have continued to reward “meeting breed standards” over health by selecting a #FrenchBulldog as best of group. Clearly the nose roll and stenosic nostrils will be impacting this dog’s health in future."
In a statement to The Sun, The Kennel Club - the organisers of Crufts - said: "Crufts is a unique platform to educate the tens of thousands of visitors and viewers on Channel 4 with a raft of information and advice about responsibly breeding, buying and owning a dog, and we have important rules in place to ensure we prioritise health in the show ring.
"The Breed Standards the dogs are judged to, are simply an overall description of a dog, from their general temperament to exercise and grooming needs – and this helps owners to pick a suitable pet for their lifestyle, but every Breed Standard makes it absolutely clear that health should always be a priority. Judges, using these Breed Standards, are looking for general fitness, healthy coats, good teeth and to ensure that any exaggerated features causing visible health issues are not rewarded. This is supported by vet checks for all dogs before Group judging, and for some breed winners, to ensure there are no visible signs of health concerns on the day of competition.
"We want the good practice we promote in the show ring to spread further afield and Crufts is a great platform to raise awareness of the many resources we have developed - from DNA tests for diseases, to breathing, hip, eye and elbow assessments - which can help buyers find the healthiest puppies."
They added: "The vast majority of owners show their pets with great care but if we are made aware of any inappropriate handling, we will deal with it immediately via our disciplinary processes
"Competitors are constantly reminded of our regulations, and are given direction from The Kennel Club regarding the handling of dogs whilst in the show ring."
As well as showing off perfect pets jumping hurdles and chasing balls, the TV coverage of Crufts will be educational.
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The schedule for day two of Crufts includes the Agility Singles Final as well as the Gamekeepers competition final.
Crufts 2024 will end on Sunday, March 10 following the presentation of Best in Show.
The Sun previously revealed how the competition has been dogged by controversies over the years - from 'KGB style' poisonings to abuse allegations and even fraud.
