But why would anyone want to kill a dog, especially in such a brutal way? Several theories have been floated.
If it was a deliberate act, then it could have been a rival breeder who wanted to take Jagger out of the running for the competition. Some owners will attempt to nobble other people’s dogs or even nobble their own. As Kerry states: “That’s a lot of nobbling.”
Dog-breeding is also a hugely lucrative industry, generating millions of pounds every year. Prize-winning dogs (and especially their sperm) can be worth a fortune as they are used to create the next generation of prestige hounds.
It was also suggested that it could have been a case of mistaken identity, as Jagger’s more successful half-brother, Noodle, was also in the competition. Did the killer pick the wrong pooch?
There was disquiet as that year’s event as dogs from foreign countries were allowed to compete. As Jagger had travelled from Belgium, could another owner have taken exception to this and decided to act?
Crufts was also targeted by animal rights activists, who considered the competition demeaning and the dog-breeding industry cruel. A representative of an animal welfare group actually disrupted the 2015 final with a protest. But surely activists who want to help animals would never harm one to make a point?
The poisoning could also have been a complete accident. But if it wasn’t intended for him, how did Jagger come across the tainted meat and if he wasn’t the target, who was?
