For the attention of Chris Patten, Chairman of BBC Trust
Over the last few years there has been a clear anti-pedigree dog bias throughout the BBC. This evidenced by the inaccurate, distorted and distasteful program about pedigree dogs aired under the Panorama banner almost three years ago and the decision to withdraw coverage of Crufts on BBC1.
Given that all national events, of which Crufts is undoubtedly one, are covered by the BBC, it seems bizarre that given the pleasure and companionship dogs give to their owners in the community, over half of which are dogs of pedigree, that the BBC sees fit not to broadcast a few hours of programming which gives pleasure to millions.
Crufts regularly achieved exceptionally high viewing figures and much of it was devoted to a range of activities other than the show ring.
Pedigree Dogs Exposed ignored much of the work being done towards improving the health and welfare of dogs by many organisations, one of which is the highly respected Animal Health Trust.
Instead it focused on what it saw as the shortcomings of the Kennel Club while totally ignoring its achievements and the work of many dedicated and caring breeders.
A 'follow up' program now appears to have been commissioned from a self confessed 'campaigner' by BBC 4 and the press release states:
'The programme will consist of a reprise of material from the original film'.
If this should be the case we, the undersigned, believe it to be highly unlikely that the programme will provide a fair balance of information or opinion and would ask that the Trust carefully review the decision to commission the film.