Crufts Poison ‘Murder': Second Shih Tzu Dog Reported Dead

A second dog is claimed to have died after appearing at Crufts.

Unconfirmed reports identify the dog as a Shih Tzu. The Daily Telegraph had earlier written that a Shih Tzu had been taken ill after the show, along with a West Highland Terrier and an Afghan Hound.

The Kennel Club, the organiser of Crufts, said it was aware of the claims a second dog had died but stressed the news was unverified as of Tuesday afternoon.

The second dog is reported to be a Shih Tzu (file picture)

A Kennel Club spokesman told Huffington Post UK: “The Kennel Club has received no details about the Shi Tzu who has allegedly died and whose identity remains unknown and we can confirm that no Shi Tzus were seen by the show vet at Crufts.

"We cannot look into claims about which we have no direct information, which is why it is essential that people come forward with any concerns.”

The reports come after three-year-old Irish setter Thendara Satisfaction, known as Jagger, collapsed and died after returning to Belgium from the show at Birmingham’s NEC.

Jagger died after returning from the Birmingham show

The results of toxicological tests on Jagger are expected next week.

Jagger's joint owners, Ms Lauwers and Dee Milligan-Bott, of Kilby near Wigston in Leicestershire, claim beef laced with unknown poisons was found during a post-mortem examination on the dog.

Meanwhile, the Kennel Club has confirmed it is looking into reports that several other dogs were left sick after the show.

However a spokeswoman for the club, which organises Crufts, stressed that no formal investigation has been launched because they have not got any direct information to act upon.

She said: "The facts surrounding Jagger's sad death are still being established. With regards to speculation about any other incidents involving other dogs, we must stress that these are at this stage just rumours.

Jagger winning at another dog show

"There are any number of reasons why a dog may display symptoms such as sickness and, should a dog fall sick, there are vets at Crufts who will examine the dog in question and file a report."

She added: "As with any international competition, rumours of sabotage do occasionally surface. This of course is not in the spirit of competition and will not be tolerated.

"Anyone caught attempting to deliberately sabotage another competitor's performance, particularly if a dog's welfare is put at risk, will face severe disciplinary action, which could include a ban on competing at all Kennel Club-licensed events.

"Furthermore, anyone who puts a dog's welfare at risk could face prosecution under the Animal Welfare Act."

No vets have raised concerns about poisoning and there have been no official complaints from any other owners at Crufts, she added.

Mrs Milligan-Bott called Jagger's death "a heinous crime" but believes the attack was random rather than targeted.

Speaking yesterday alongside husband Jeremy Bott outside their home, the couple said they were grieving but vowed to return to the world-famous dog show next year.

Mr Bott said: "This one isolated incident will not spoil our enjoyment to show and compete with our lovely dogs." Jagger had come second in his class during competition on Thursday.

West Midlands Police said they have not received a complaint or been asked to investigate but they are liaising with Crufts officials and the NEC to secure potential evidence.