 On 24 October, principal sponsor Pedigree Petfoods withdrew their sponsorship of Crufts—estimated at between £0.5 to £1.5 million per year—ending a 44-year relationship; however, it remained an official sponsor through their Royal Canin brand.This was followed by major sponsor Hill's Pet Nutrition's withdrawal from the event one week later.On 12 December, the BBC dropped Crufts 2009 from its schedule after failing to agree on terms with the Kennel Club.