Below is Dogs Trust's statement, as can also be seen on www.dogstrust.org.uk. Please contact the Dogs Trust Press Office by email with any queries.
Dogs Trust welcomes the Associate Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare Report into pedigree dog breeding. There are serious problems with the health and welfare of some pedigree dogs, resulting from inappropriate breeding practices and directly from the conformation of the dog imposed by breed standards. We were pleased to be able to contribute to this report, which suggests measures which can now be implemented to improve the situation.
We welcome the report recommendations on health screening; public education; the enforcement of codes of ethics; the revision of breed standards; permanent identification; the showing of dogs; health certificates; and the development of an Independent Advisory body. We are disappointed that the Report does not concentrate sufficiently on the welfare implications of breed standards or suggest improved legislation. Similarly we believe that many of the recommendations must be applied to all dogs not just pedigrees.
Dogs Trust has been encouraged to see that the Kennel Club has made a start in reviewing all breeding practices including the breed standards. However we are concerned at the lack of good data currently available to underpin the review.
Dogs Trust rehomes both pedigree and crossbreeds dogs through our 18 Rehoming Centres. Too many dogs in our care have come from irresponsible dealers, pet stores or puppy farms. Dogs Trust believes that more research and discussion about how to stop the 'battery farming' of dogs within puppy farms is long overdue. Dogs Trust believes that peer review science is an essential part of the solution. And that all breeders, not just Kennel Club members, must follow the scientists' guidelines.
Dogs Trust continues to work closely with the Kennel Club to improve the current situation, and we have jointly commissioned an independent review of the showing, breeding, and registration of all dogs. The inquiry Chairman, Professor Sir Patrick Bateson, will publish his findings in January 2010. Following the publication of this report Dogs Trust would welcome a meeting of all relevant stakeholders to discuss ways in which the recommendations from both reports can be translated into effective solutions.
Showing posts with label dog breed defects. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dog breed defects. Show all posts
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
Wednesday, 20 August 2008
Pedigree Dogs Exposed: Dogs Trust's comment on the BBC documentary about breeding
The following is a statement from Clarissa Baldwin, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust:
It was horrifying to watch last night's Pedigree Dogs Exposed programme on BBC1. I am very aware that the Kennel Club has been making significant efforts in the recent past to persuade breed clubs that they need to make more effort to eradicate genetic disease and carefully control inbreeding. We hope this programme provides them with the impetus and muscle to accelerate their plans.
Dogs Trust is aware that there are many genetic defects in pedigree dogs which cause significant health and welfare problems. We see many afflicted dogs in our Rehoming Centres and deal with the consequences. Not just the physical problems but also the mental anguish. Dogs Trust recognises that the majority of breeders are responsible and prioritise the welfare of their dogs but we believe that the following four steps would help reduce the suffering of some pedigree dogs.
1. Existing legislation needs to be changed to prevent inappropriate breeding practices such as those highlighted in the programme.
2. There needs to be genetic screening of all breeding stock and the assured integrity of such a process.
3. Breed standards need to be reviewed and where necessary revised to ensure they are firmly focused on the health and well being of the dog, not the aesthetics of the breed. Breeders and show judges must adhere to these revised breed standards.
4. When people buy a dog, they need to think about where they are buying it from. Although we always urge people to first consider a rescue dog, if they do want a pedigree, people should buy from a Kennel Club accredited breeder. They must find out the dogs genetic heritage and get a screen test before buying. Let's not pander to uncaring breeders.
We will be working with the Kennel Club and DEFRA on these points, but I urge Dogs Trust supporters who watched the documentary and want to help bring about constructive change to write to Lord Rooker, Minister for Sustainable Food and Farming and Animal Health at Defra requesting the above steps. Similarly we would welcome our supporters’ suggestions of how the situation can be improved.
It was horrifying to watch last night's Pedigree Dogs Exposed programme on BBC1. I am very aware that the Kennel Club has been making significant efforts in the recent past to persuade breed clubs that they need to make more effort to eradicate genetic disease and carefully control inbreeding. We hope this programme provides them with the impetus and muscle to accelerate their plans.
Dogs Trust is aware that there are many genetic defects in pedigree dogs which cause significant health and welfare problems. We see many afflicted dogs in our Rehoming Centres and deal with the consequences. Not just the physical problems but also the mental anguish. Dogs Trust recognises that the majority of breeders are responsible and prioritise the welfare of their dogs but we believe that the following four steps would help reduce the suffering of some pedigree dogs.
1. Existing legislation needs to be changed to prevent inappropriate breeding practices such as those highlighted in the programme.
2. There needs to be genetic screening of all breeding stock and the assured integrity of such a process.
3. Breed standards need to be reviewed and where necessary revised to ensure they are firmly focused on the health and well being of the dog, not the aesthetics of the breed. Breeders and show judges must adhere to these revised breed standards.
4. When people buy a dog, they need to think about where they are buying it from. Although we always urge people to first consider a rescue dog, if they do want a pedigree, people should buy from a Kennel Club accredited breeder. They must find out the dogs genetic heritage and get a screen test before buying. Let's not pander to uncaring breeders.
We will be working with the Kennel Club and DEFRA on these points, but I urge Dogs Trust supporters who watched the documentary and want to help bring about constructive change to write to Lord Rooker, Minister for Sustainable Food and Farming and Animal Health at Defra requesting the above steps. Similarly we would welcome our supporters’ suggestions of how the situation can be improved.
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