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NEW YORK - An animal rights group has accused the American Kennel Club of trying to create a doggie "master race."
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals set up a protest Monday outside Madison Square Garden at the start of the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club show.
Crowds gawked at a table set up by the group that included signs comparing the American Kennel Club to the Ku Klux Klan.
PETA contends that the AKC promotes pure-breeding of dogs that is harmful to their health.
"Welcome AKC Members," read a banner hanging from the table - with AKC crossed out and KKK written above it. Two PETA protesters dressed as Ku Klux Klan members, while other volunteers handed out brochures.
"Obviously it's an uncomfortable comparison," PETA spokesman Michael McGraw said.
But the AKC is trying to create a "master race," he added. "It's a very apt comparison."
David Frei, spokesman for Westminster and TV host of coverage on USA Network, said: "I can't speak for everyone, but the vast majority of the people exhibiting and handling and showing at Westminster are more interested in the health of dogs than anything else."
"We want to produce the next generation of healthy and happy dogs," he said, "not just for the show ring but for the couches at home."
Most passers-by seemed more puzzled than offended, though those who didn't stop walked away thinking they really had seen the KKK. The most common reaction was to pull out a cellphone and start snapping photos.
Police monitored the situation from nearby, but the scene was mostly calm. One shouting match broke out during the hour-long protest.
Earlier, a man strode away yelling, "That's disgusting! I'm going to buy more fur!"
Fatima Walden, who spotted the protest during a shopping trip, called the KKK imagery inappropriate no matter what the message.
"They could have used something else as an example," she said. "You should be considerate to everybody."
With that pronouncement, they effectively vaulted the precipice of reason and are hurtling headlong into the chasm of tin foil hats. 
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