The breeder behind Crufts 2026’s Best in Show winner has a previous conviction for animal cruelty.

Lee Cox guided Clumber spaniel, Bruin, to the top spot at the dog show in Birmingham on Sunday, beating out around 18,000 competitors.

But the champion handler was previously found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog in his care, The Independent can reveal.

Mr Cox was convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to the dog, a black cocker spaniel named Adam, following a three-day trial at Sedgemoor Magistrates Court in September 2001.

A Royal Kennel Club spokesperson confirmed Mr Cox’s conviction but said it was an “isolated incident 25 years ago”, adding Mr Cox has had an “unblemished record in the 25 years since”.

At the time, it was reported he received a three-year conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £5,000 costs by the court after the cocker spaniel suffered a chronic ear infection, which resulted in amputation.

He ran Kaston Kennels in Mark, Somerset.

Companies House listings show the kennels were dissolved in February 2018, but Mr Cox is listed at the Vanitonia kennel at the same address in Somerset.

Speaking after scooping the top prize with Bruin on Sunday, Mr Cox said: “It’s just amazing, I mean, what can I say? I can’t believe it. Thank you so much.

“It’s just wonderful for this breed. You know, it’s just a… for the first time in my life, I’m speechless.”

He added: “He’s just, he’s a dog of a lifetime, he really, really is. He’s very, very special. I absolutely adore him. And he adores me.”

It isn’t the first time the dog show has been at the centre of controversy. In 2024, dogs and their owners were evacuated from the floor as an animal rights protester burst past security and attempted to unfurl a ‘Boycott Breeders’ banner.

Animal rights protesters from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) also stormed the show in 2018 in a bid to “highlight the suffering of dogs bred by humans to have grossly exaggerated features”.

RSPCA dog welfare expert Lisa Hens previously told The Independent that the organisation has expressed concern over the treatment of the dogs that participate in the competition for years.

“We recognise the positive activities at Crufts from agility to Flyball, obedience to Friends For Life. These events showcase the heartwarming bond between dogs and their handlers, and helps shine a light on how brilliant man’s best friend truly is,” Ms Hens said.

“However, we’ve long held concerns about the main element of Crufts; a dog beauty pageant which judges entrants primarily on their appearance without taking sufficient account of their health or welfare.”

A Royal Kennel Club spokesperson said: “We can confirm that in 2001, Mr Lee Cox, winner of the Crufts 2026 Best in Show award, was involved in a court case relating to a cocker spaniel who had a chronic ear infection. The court issued a conditional discharge.

“Convictions involving animal welfare are always reviewed by the Royal Kennel Club and due reflection will be given to the way the courts treat such convictions. In this case an appropriate sanction was imposed by the disciplinary committee reflecting the court decision and did not warrant a disqualification. This was an isolated incident 25 years ago. Mr Cox has had an unblemished record in the 25 years since this incident, making a significant positive contribution to the world of dogs.”

The Independent has contacted Lee Cox for comment.