Dog Breeding Report Sees Key Role For Vets
14 years ago
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Vets have welcomed Professor Bateson’s report on dog breeding as an important step on a long journey to improving the health and welfare of all dogs.
The report, which follows a 10-month inquiry into breeding practices, dog showing, and scientific evidence, concludes that measures such as the establishment of a non-statutory advisory council on dog breeding, an up-graded accredited breeder scheme, legislative changes, and a public education campaign are required.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) gave evidence to Professor Bateson’s inquiry and stressed the need for changes that would improve the lot for all dogs (not just pedigrees), as well as the key role that vets have to play in educating the public.
Many of the specific recommendations have already been called for by the veterinary profession, such as a Code of Practice on breeding, compulsory microchipping of all dogs, and improved breed standards to promote health and welfare over extreme conformation. Through the Companion Animal Welfare Council (CAWC) work has already started to investigate setting up an independent body of experts, and a campaign to improve the public’s understanding of the issues is being led by the BVA Animal Welfare Foundation’s guidance on buying a puppy.
Other specific recommendations supported by the veterinary profession include:3525 views
Posted
14th January, 2010 00h00
- the creation of a non-statutory advisory council to include veterinary input;
- robust accredited breeder schemes recognising the vital importance of pre-mating health screening and other good breeding practice;
- the centralised collection of data on health problems associated with different breeds; and
- better enforcement of good welfare on licensed dog breeding premises, which must come with resources to ensure inspection and enforcement can be carried out.
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