Dogs Trust response to the APGAW report: A healthier future for pedigree dogs

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.

Dogs Trust withdraws from all Kennel Club events, including Crufts

Press release:

Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity has announced it will be withdrawing from Crufts and Discover Dogs. Dogs Trust will also not be involved in this year’s Westminster Dog of the Year Show. This follows consultation with the charity’s Trustees and requests from its supporters.

Dogs Trust believes that this removal of support is the strongest signal it can give to the Kennel Club and breeders to achieve immediate action to ensure that the health and wellbeing of pedigree dogs is ranked over appearance and artificial breed standards.

Dogs Trust hopes that this will lead to rapid changes in the manner in which dogs are bred and is in talks with Defra and The Kennel Club to help bring about the following much needed changes:

1. The review of breed standards to ensure they are firmly focused on the health and wellbeing of the dog, not the supposed aesthetics of the breed. Breeders and show judges must be required to adhere to these revised breed standards.

2. The introduction of secondary legislation, so as to prevent inappropriate breeding practices, especially the intentional inbreeding of closely related dogs or dogs with known debilitating genetic illnesses.

3. The introduction of genetic screening of all breeding stock and the assured integrity of such a process.

4. Purchasers of dogs should first consider a rescue dog. If it is a pedigree, they must understand the importance of determining and questioning its genetic heritage.

Dogs Trust has had a long history of working with The Kennel Club in order to promote rescue dogs at pedigree shows and we hope to be able to continue this relationship as soon as these vital animal welfare points have been put in place.

The Wag and Bone Show is back! Come join us at Windsor Great Park this summer

The popular and successful Wag & Bone Show is back for another year of fun, games and all things doggy. The even, on Saturday 2nd August in Windsor Great Park, helps raise funds for seven major animal charities and provides entertainment for all the family, both two- and four-footed members!

Former Blue Peter presenter Peter Purves provides commentary on the main events throughout the day, which is sponsored by Purina PetCare. As the owner of seven dogs, he has declared that "whatever the weather, I think The Wag & Bone Show is a winnner. So much to see, so much to do, I defy your dog not to have a wonderful day. And you might even enjoy it yourself, I know I shall!"

Pedigrees and crossbreeds are eligible to take part in loads of different events and The Blue Cross will be looking for this year's 'Top Dog', so if your dog has a melting expression, is a
loveable rogue or you are the best doggy family then enter the Top Dog competition. There are
10 categories at £2 per entry and you can register online at www.thewagandboneshow.com.
Scruffts, the fun dog competition run by the Kennel Club, caters specifically for crossbreeds and
only costs £1 to enter. You may even find yourself in the national final in November. Categories
like Child’s Best Friend and Golden Oldie ensure there is something for everyone at this year’s
Wag & Bone Show.

Other events and services (by no means an exhaustive list!) include:

• Dogs Trust Dogmobile with dogs looking for homes
• Obedience tests at Temptation Alley
• Doggie Water Bobbing
• Doggie Dash fitness tests (prizes for every entrant)
• Meet the Agony Aunt and Uncle for a Q&A on behaviour training and more
• Southern Golden Retriever Display Team performance
• Race between the charity mascots Barney (Blue Cross), Bat (Battersea) Carla the Cat (PDSA) Fred (Wood Green Animal Shelters), Rufus (KC) and Zippy (Dogs Trust). Come on Zippy!
• The Shopping Village
• PDSA free 10-minute dog 'MOT'

Tickets and information: 0871 230 5569 or online at www.thewagandboneshow.com
Ticket Price: Adult: £10 in advance (£11 on the door)
Concessions: £8 in advance (£9 on the door)
Children (5-16 years): £8 in advance (£9 on the door) Up to 4 years - Free
Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 children): £25 in advance (£30 on the door)
Camping: Caravan and camping facilities are available onsite priced at £25 for two nights. Book
your site in advance by telephoning 01753 847900
Opening Hours: 10am to 5.30pm, Saturday 2 August 2008