article_snippet: Marina Khenkina, 48, spoke out after finding Owner Marina Khenkina at the centre of an animal cruelty storm, sparked by the way Owner Marina Khenkina American handler Rebecca Cross picked up her American handler Rebecca Cross Scottish terrier Knopa by her Scottish terrier Knopa neck and tail at the world-famous dog show.
article_snippet: Ms Cross picked up  Ms Cross Scottish terrier Knopa by the tail - sparking outrage and calls for  Ms Cross to be stripped of the Best in Show title .
article_snippet: Marina Khenkina (right) has spoken out after finding Marina Khenkina (right) at the centre of an animal cruelty storm, sparked by the way Marina Khenkina (right) picked up her Scottish terrier Knopa by her Scottish terrier Knopa neck and tail .
article_snippet: Ms Cross, who was captured on camera picking Knopa up in the unconventional manner on Sunday, has apologised - but said it was usual to handle her Scottish terrier Knopa in this way in the States. '
article_snippet: Mrs Khenkina, who was at Crufts watching over  Ms Cross prize-winning canines, has now waded into the scandal - nicknamed 'Tailgate' - backing Knopa's handler.
article_snippet: Ms Cross loves Knopa and 'hurting Rebecca is the last thing in this world Rebecca would do' Murdered: Knopa's owner said the shocking poisoning of the highly rated setter at Crufts was 'terrible news' Mrs Khenkina adamant it can be legitimate to grab terriers by their tails: 'Terriers are hunting dogs designed for dragging animals out of holes.
highlights_snippet: Owner Marina Khenkina has defended American handler Rebecca Cross .
  
highlights_snippet: American handler Rebecca Cross picked up Scottish terrier Knopa by Scottish terrier Knopa neck and tail at Crufts .
  