• World

Dog Poisoned at Crufts Dog Show, Owner Claims

1 minute read

Investigators are on the scent of murder following the death of a dog who collapsed shortly after competing in one of the world’s most prominent dog shows this week.

Jagger, a 3-year-old Irish red setter who competed at the Crufts dog show in Birmingham, England, collapsed and died at his home in Belgium only 24 hours after getting second place in his category, according to the Telegraph. One of the Jagger’s owners, Aleksandra Lauwers, claims a veterinarian’s investigation suggests the dog was poisoned.

“I am convinced it happened at the dog show. There wasn’t any other opportunity. It looked like an act of jealousy,” Lauwers said. Other dog owners at the competition with sick animals believed their pets to be poisoned as well, The Telegraph reports.

The Kennel Club, which runs the dog show, said it’s “deeply shocked and saddened” by the death. The club is waiting for a toxicology report from Belgian officials.

[The Telegraph]

Westminster Dog Show: Photos of Champs and Also-Rans, 1950s and 1960s

Whippet chosen Best in Show at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, New York City, 1964.
Courtenay Fleetfoot of Pennyworth (a.k.a. "Ricky"), a Whippet chosen Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, New York City, 1964.Nina Leen—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Skye Terrier, Jacinthe de Ricelaine, 1964.
Skye Terrier, Jacinthe de Ricelaine, 1964.Nina Leen—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Skye Terrier, Jacinthe de Ricelaine, 1964.
Skye Terrier, Jacinthe de Ricelaine, 1964.Nina Leen—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Maltese, 1955.
Maltese, 1955.Nina Leen—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Maltese, 1955.
Maltese, 1955.Nina Leen—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Vincenzo Calveresi with is four Maltese, 1955.
Vincenzo Calveresi with is four Maltese, 1955.Nina Leen—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Ignoring a kick, a team of Maltese dogs stands motionless as owner Vincenzo Calversi tests their obedience, 1955.
Ignoring a kick, a team of Maltese dogs stands motionless as owner Vincenzo Calversi tests their obedience, 1955.Nina Leen—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Billy, a Miniature Poodle, 1964.
Billy, a Miniature Poodle, 1964.Nina Leen—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Chow, Ah Sid's the Dilettante, 1964.
Chow, Ah Sid's the Dilettante, 1964.Nina Leen—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Doberman in training runs behind automobile near Roslyn, NY, as handler Peter Knoop rides.
Doberman in training runs behind automobile near Roslyn, NY, as handler Peter Knoop rides.Nina Leen—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Boxer, Treceder's Painted Lady, 1964.
Boxer, Treceder's Painted Lady, 1964.Nina Leen—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Brussels Griffon, Barmere's Mighty Man, 1964.
Brussels Griffon, Barmere's Mighty Man, 1964.Nina Leen—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Westminster Dog Show, 1955.
Westminster Dog Show, 1955.Nina Leen—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Wire Fox Terrier, Travella Superman of Harham, 1955.
Wire Fox Terrier, Travella Superman of Harham, 1955.Nina Leen—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Wire Fox Terrier, Travella Superman of Harham, 1955.
Wire Fox Terrier, Travella Superman of Harham, 1955.Nina Leen—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Whippet, Courtenay Fleetfoot of Pennyworth, Best in Show, 1964.
Whippet, Courtenay Fleetfoot of Pennyworth, Best in Show, 1964.Nina Leen—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
Whippet, Courtenay Fleetfoot of Pennyworth, Best in Show, 1964.
Whippet, Courtenay Fleetfoot of Pennyworth, Best in Show, 1964.Nina Leen—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

More Must-Reads From TIME

Contact us at letters@time.com