Crufts has become embroiled in a second controversy, after two competitors were accused of animal cruelty over the way in which dogs were handled. Animal lovers have accused the show's organisers of 'turning a blind eye' after footage emerged showing U.S competitor Rebecca Cross, who won the Best in Show accolade, picking up her Scottish terrier Knopa by its neck and tail. Following a competition which has already seen more than its fair share of scandal, 160,000 people have now signed online petitions, calling for Ms Cross to be stripped of her prestigious title. Animal lovers have accused the Crufts organisers of 'turning a blind eye' after footage emerged showing U.S competitor Rebecca Cross picking up her Scottish terrier Knopa by its neck and tailRebecca Cross was filmed picking up five-year-old Scottish terrier KnopaFootage led to online petitions which accused Crufts of 'turning blind eye'Organisers allegedly warned her about handling but will not remove titleAnger also growing over photos purporting to show entrant beating dogRSPCA and Kennel Club has launched probe into alleged car park incidentComes amid allegations that six dogs were poisoned at world famous show
The Kennel Club explained that it had warned Ms Cross not to pick up the dog in that manner but that it was 'customary' to do so in the _.