Dog scarfs contest pies

WIGAN, England, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Officials with the World Pie Eating Championship in Wigan, England, are scrambling to replace the event's pies after they were eaten by a curious dog.

Dave Williams, a former contest champion who was entrusted with protecting this year's pie supply, said he was distracted when a pigeon became stuck in his chimney and he accidentally left the refrigerator door ajar, Sky News reported Thursday.

Charlie, Williams' 8-year-old Bichon Frise dog, took advantage of the situation and looted the tasty contest supplies while his owner's back was turned, Williams said.

"Charlie likes pies, being a Wigan dog, so he probably thought they were for him anyway," Williams said. "I'll probably be barred (from the contest). Charlie will be grounded and put on a strict pet-food diet in future."

Rob Stewart, a pie maker with Wigan Pies, said the contest won't be canceled.

"We'll be working through the night to replace them ... This unfortunate incident cannot jeopardize the Championships," he told Sky News.