Russian Handlers killed in crash

A team of Russian dog handlers were killed on their way to the World Dog Show in Milan after a truck collided into their Mercedes Sprinter minibus. The accident happened on the 8th of June on a stretch of motorway near the village of Uspenskoe, Vyazemsky, which is in the Russian district of Smolensk. Six people are believed to have been killed, including the drivers of both vehicles.

The Russian Kynological Federation broke the news on their facebook page and members paid tribute to the lives of Skoropupova Tatyana, Buchanan Maria, Boldyrev Daria and Julia Khokhlova. According to eye witness reports the van was seen driving onto the incoming lane of the motorway. Dogs killed in the tragic crash include three Huskies, one Wheaten Terrier, two Scottish Terriers, two Pinschers, two Basenjis, one Mexican Hairless, a Pekingese and Russian Toy Terrier.

The FCI released the following statement on their website: “We are sad to announce that a mini bus with 6 handlers and 11 dogs on their way to the World Dog Show in Milan had a car crash in Belarus. All of them died.

The FCI General Assembly meeting, on learning about the terrible news, immediately observed one minute of silence. Our condolences to their families and friends.

The dog world is mourning.” To the friends and families of the individuals involved in this tragic crash OUR DOGS sends its deepest sympathies. It is tragic that this should have happened just before the World Dog Show is about to start in Milan.