A TV channel boss has said the controversial dog competition Crufts is the "perfect platform" to educate viewers about animal welfare issues.

Hamish Mykura, head of More4, said the "the current controversy over pedigree dog breeding is as interesting as the show itself."

More4 will screen highlights from Crufts this year after the BBC announced in December 2008 that it was dropping its TV coverage of the event, which attracted criticism over its use of certain pedigree dog breeds. The BBC had been broadcasting the competition since 1966.

This year Crufts presenter Clare Balding will investigate the dog breeding business and its health and welfare issues.

More4 said that between March 11 to 14, Balding will look at "the serious side of dog breeding with an emphasis on health and welfare issues that surround it".

Topics discussed over the four days of coverage will include puppy farming, status dogs and cross breeding, with a vet on hand to answer viewers' questions.

Mykura added: "I am really pleased that More4 has the opportunity to show Crufts 2010... Crufts is a national TV event that has been bringing pleasure to dog-lovers for decades and the current controversy over pedigree dog breeding is as interesting as the show itself."

"Crufts provides the perfect platform to educate viewers about these issues, and to highlight best practice."

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