Lee Cox won Crufts 2026 with his Clumber spaniel but was convicted more than 20 years ago of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog kept in terrible, filthy conditions
This year’s Crufts Best in Show champion Lee Cox was found guilty of animal cruelty for maintaining a cocker spaniel in appalling conditions. Lee secured victory at the prestigious annual competition but it has now emerged he was convicted more than two decades ago.
In 2001, Cox and Roger Stone were both found guilty of inflicting needless suffering on a retired breeding dog. They received a three-year conditional discharge and were ordered to contribute £5,000 towards prosecution costs.
The court heard how an inspector had visited Kaston Kennels in Mark, Somerset, where they reported numerous dogs appeared bald and scabby with skin conditions, with some animals in filthy states.
Cox admitted he had failed to take the spaniel to a veterinarian and had instead administered medication prescribed for a different animal to address the dog’s ear condition. Stone claimed he hadn’t seen the pet for five years because “his poor health had kept him indoors”.
Following the case, Stone commented: “We have nothing to say about the verdict, but we will continue keeping dogs.”, reports the Mirror.
Inspector Jo Daniel, who examined the premises, stated: “To find a dog in Adam’s condition in a normal house would have been bad enough, but to find one in the care of two internationally renowned dog breeders was shocking. The RSPCA prosecutes without fear or favour. Animal cruelty will not be tolerated, whoever commits it.”
Cox claimed Best In Show this year with his four-year-old Clumber spaniel named Bruin. Discussing his victory, he said: “I can’t believe it. It’s just wonderful for this breed. He’s the dog of a lifetime. He’s really, really special.”
A Royal Kennel Club spokesman told The Sun they were aware of the conviction, describing it as an “isolated incident”.
They said in a statement: “Mr Cox has had an unblemished record in the 25 years since this incident, making a significant positive contribution to the world of dogs. In this case an appropriate sanction was imposed by the disciplinary committee reflecting the court decision and did not warrant a disqualification.”
Furious dog show enthusiasts have slammed his participation, with one declaring: “Anyone convicted of cruelty to animals should be nowhere near animals again. Let alone given a prize for one.”