Crufts 2021 has been cancelled despite its dates being moved to July, it was announced today.
The world’s biggest dog show, which is traditionally held in March at the NEC Birmingham, had originally been scheduled to take place from March 11 to 14.
But it was then moved to July 15 to 18.
Now, however, in a huge blow to dog owners and exhibitors, the event has been scrapped altogether for this year.
Organisers said in a statement: “The Kennel Club must announce the cancellation of Crufts 2021, due to take place on July 15-18.
“This is due to the uncertainty of the current situation regarding the Covid-19 pandemic and consideration for the health and safety of all its staff, volunteers, exhibitors, trade stand holders and visitors.
“We hope to look forward to welcoming Crufts back in its full glory on March 10-13, 2022.”
This is the first time the show has been cancelled since 1954.
Despite the increasing threat of coronavirus, Crufts 2020 managed to go ahead, get finished and crown itschampion Maisie only days before the first nationwide lockdown was announced.
The Kennel Club had been liaising with the NEC - where a Nightingale Hospital has been created to take Covid patients and which could also become a site for mass vaccinations of the new jab - to see how the dog show could still happen.
The club had earlier reassured competitors, exhibitors and everyone involved in the dog world it was actively committed to holding the show in 2021.
But in a dramatic development, it yesterday (FRI) decided to call off this year’s event.
Although restrictions are easing and the Government roadmap indicates lockdown should be over by June 21 - several weeks ahead of this year’s rearranged Crufts dates - ongoing International travel restrictions preventing overseas entrants from getting to the show will have been a major factor in the decision.
