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 foursteps 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 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.
reprinted with kind permission from Alexandra Roumbas
Web Editor, Dogs Trust
17 Wakley Street, London EC1V 7RQ
020 7837 0006 | 020 7833 7706 (direct) alex.roumbas@dogstrust.org.uk
Dogs Trust - A Dog Is For Life
