The ongoing pandemic has claimed another major sporting event: The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
The 146th edition of the venerable dog show was to take place this month, but it now has been postponed until an undetermined future date.
“The health and safety of all participants in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show are paramount,” organizers said in a statement. “We appreciate the community’s continued interest and support as we delay the show to a time when we can safely convene.”
Even though the show wasn’t to begin until Jan. 22, the Omicron variant is spreading so rapidly and unpredictably, organizers said they had no choice.
Chat Reynders, president of the Westminster Kennel Club, issued a statement on social media.
“Due to the extraordinary spread of the Omicron variant in New York City at this time and the disruptions it is currently creating in travel and event management, the Board of Governors of the Westminster Kennel Club has made the difficult decision to postpone our January 2022 show until a later date in 2022.”
Dear Westminster Fans,
— Westminster Dog Show (@WKCDOGS) December 29, 2021
The safety and wellbeing of all participants in the #WestminsterDogShow will always be our top priority. Due to the extraordinary spread of the Omicron variant in New York City at this time and the disruptions it is currently creating in travel
