For years, campaigners have urged the RSPCA to take a stand against the Kennel Club and Crufts, the dog show it promotes. Now a BBC documentary is showing the horrible genetic diseases caused by years of canine inbreeding, the charity has decided to scrap its usual stall at Crufts.

The RSPCA says it wants to see a change in the rules at dog shows to prioritise health, welfare and temperament over appearance. It also wants to see the development of health-focused breeding strategies for individual breeds, including steps to increase their genetic diversity.

Last month, the BBC said it was contemplating withdrawing from live coverage of the event, which it has been showing for more than 40 years.

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