A CHIHUAHUA owner yesterday accused another competitor in a dog show of giving her animal Valium without her permission.
Ms Tracey Dyke broke down in tears as she told how 14 month old Chizzy was given enough of the sedative to knock her out.
"It was as if she was dead," she told the Kennel Club's disciplinary sub committee in London.
Ms Dyke, of Bromsgrove, Hereford and Worcester, was taking action against fellow dog owner, Ms Carol Brampton, of Faversham, Kent.
She alleged Ms Brampton gave Chizzy - full name Deltramer Secret Showburst - a 0.5mg tablet of Valium, without her permission at the Northern Counties' Championship Show.
"She opened her mouth and put a tablet down it and rubbed her throat. Then she just smiled at nie and wouldn't tell me what it was," said Ms Dyke.
Ms Dyke said she had entered her chihuahua bitch in the junior bitch class at the show in Lytham St Anne's, Lancashire, on October last year.
On arrival at the venue, Chizry was feeling unwell because of travel sickness. She said she asked various people for advice as to how she could ensure Chizzy was well enough to take part in the competition.
Without any warning Ms Brampton came over and administered her own treatment, the subcommittee heard.
Ms Dyke said that after Ms Brampton put a tablet in her dog's mouth, she asked her why she had done it.
She said Ms Brampton replied: "Don't fuss, these dogs are Oscar winners. They'll win an Oscar for this."
Ms Dyke then described how Chizzy became lethargic and semi conscious.
The hearing was told Ms Brampton admitted giving Valium to the small dog and said it was a practice she used with many of her own animals without any problems.
Ms Dyke told how she then became embroiled in a shouting match.
Ms Amanda Jacks (24), a committee member for the show, told the hearing that Ms Brampton admitted giving Chizzy a sedative.
Ms Brampton denies the accusation.