Despite pre-show criticism from Oakham residents on social media, a dog agility event went ahead at Rutland Showground over the weekend and organisers have been praised for ensuring the welfare of the animals in the heat was the prime concern.

The event was the The Kennel Club International Agility Festival and there were fears expressed locally that it was too hot and the event should have been cancelled.

Among the many critics on social media was Oakham resident and dog owner, Mandy Ayriss who said: "I personally think it's disgusting given the temperatures we are experiencing. 

"This show isn't about the dogs or for them, it's for the owners to win a rosette or two and perhaps gain a title for their dog. Shame on the organisers and the competitors for not putting the dogs' welfare first."

However, The Kennel Club were confident that their decision to go ahead with the show was  the correct one, with alterations being made to the schedule to ensure that dogs and owners could still compete comfortably. 

Shade was provided, the team were vigilant to ensure no dogs were left in cars or caravans, and competitions began from 7am so that competitions did not go on deep into he afternoon.

A spokesperson for The Kennel Club said: "We put in place measures to help ensure the safety of all involved with the International Agility Festival this weekend, where the welfare of dogs is absolutely paramount. Classes ran  from early morning so that we could ensure that no dog competed in peak afternoon temperatures and we reserved the right to cancel or suspend classes at any time if it is deemed to be in the best interests of the dogs, which is always our prime concern.

"It should be noted that an agility round tends to be no more than 30 to 40 seconds on a grass surface and provisions are in place to help owners keep dogs cool, which include shade for cooling, fresh running water, and pools at each ring.

"Vigilance is key and the event was well supervised through the day."

That view was backed up by one visitors to the show who answered 'keyboard critics' on social media by saying: "I was at the site - the dogs are tremendously well cared-for as one might expect with an official Kennel Club event - lots of shade, lots of water, public address announcements when each category is about to start so that the dogs were only out for the minimum time necessary.

"The actual course took about one minute in total to complete and is based on agility.

"I would imagine there will be a lot worse pet care going on in the general community than there was at this formal event.

"To the critics - Have you actually been to it to see how content the pooches are? If you watch the video the vets and first aid are in the structure to the right of the shot. I only saw humans needing care but obviously there might be an exception.

"If you listen to it you will hear one of the regular announcements about taking care of the dogs. This isn't random people turning up its the kennel club! Everyone is entitled to a view but it might make more sense to have an opinion based on actually visiting something rather than pontificating from home."