(PETALUMA, Calif) —A rescue pooch named Peanut has taken top honors after being crowned the “World’s Ugliest Dog.” The 2-year-old mutt from Greenville, North Carolina took first place in the competition Friday in Petaluma, Calif.
Peanut’s owner, Holly Chandler, says she hopes Peanut’s win will shed a light on animal abuse. The hound is a shelter rescue, a victim of abuse who was burned in a fire.
Peanut now sports patchy hair, protruding teeth and bulging eyes.
Chandler and Peanut took home a trophy and a $1,500 prize. Chandler plans on donating the prize money toward other animals’ veterinary bills.
The 26th annual contest was held at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds.