York Dog Is Finalist In PETA’S ‘Cutest Mutt In The Uk’ Contest

For Immediate Release:
10 March 2010


Contact:
Sam Glover 020 7357 9229, ext 229; [email protected]


York, North Yorkshire – Just a day before the Kennel Club’s Crufts dog show begins, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is announcing the top 10 finalists out of thousands of entrants in an online competition to find the cutest mixed-breed rescue dog in the UK. The competition showcases just how beautiful, healthy and good-natured mixed-breed dogs can be, and 4-year-old Bandit from York is a top contender for the title.


Bandit – who was found wandering the streets of Leeds at 18 months old – has lived with his guardian, Janet Power, 45, for three years. Janet adopted Bandit from Leeds Dogs Trust. The mixed-breed rescue dog is very sociable and enjoys meeting up with his two girlfriends, Bramble and Willow. He loves playing with toy balls and particularly enjoys tearing up tennis balls with his teeth.


“Janet adopted Bandit to give the mixed-breed rescue dog the best life possible, and Bandit has given her deep affection in return”, says PETA’s Poorva Joshipura. “Bandit found a loving home, and Janet found a devoted and loyal companion.”


PETA’s competition highlights the fact that mixed-breed dogs – besides being lovable individuals – don’t face the range of health problems and genetic defects that pedigree dogs often endure. As a result of being purposely bred for certain unnatural and exaggerated physical traits, pedigree dogs have high rates of epilepsy, heart disease, hip dysplasia and other health problems. PETA also points out that every time a dog is purchased from a breeder, a homeless dog loses the chance to find a loving home and must be euthanised or left to languish in an animal shelter.


The cutest mutt and two runners-up will be chosen and announced on 30 March on the popular website PETA.org.uk. These three “top dogs” will also be featured in PETA’s Animal Times magazine and will receive a selection of doggie delights.