FIRST OFF . . .

Animal lover Bob Barker quit as host of the annual “Patsy Awards� show this week, criticizing the American Humane Assn. for “producing a telecast that honors trainers who may have used cruel training methods i preparing their animals to perform.� The veteran TV emcee, who hosted the last five “Patsy� animal awards shows, told the Humane Assn. in a letter: “I have become increasingly concerned about reports of cruelty to animals. “I was a little surprised and startled by his decision,� Carmelita Pope, the associations’s Los Angeles director, said Wednesday. “We have nothing to do with the training at all. Our job begins when the animals arrive on the set.� Barker recently threatened to quit as host of the Miss USA beauty pageant over a decision to adorn contestants in animal pelts.