Vets Welcome Pedigree Dog Report, But Say Reform Must Be For All Dogs
15 years ago
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Vets have welcomed the recognition by a group of politicians that more must be done to tackle the health and welfare problems of pedigree dogs, but believe that non-pedigree dogs must not be overlooked and that puppy farming of both pedigree and non-pedigree dogs remains an enormous threat.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) both gave evidence to the Associate Parliamentary Group on Animal Welfare (APGAW) inquiry into the serious diseases and health problems suffered by pedigree dogs. The report ‘A Healthier Future for Pedigree Dogs’ is published today (Tuesday).
In particular the BVA and BSAVA welcome:3043 views
Posted
3rd November, 2009 00h00
- Recognition that the veterinary role is vital in educating and informing dog owners, the breeding industry, and the public;
- The call for an independent advisory body made up of geneticists, veterinary surgeons, behaviouralists, breeders and animal welfare scientists to make recommendations to breed clubs through the Kennel Club;
- The recommendation for a database of diseases, accessible to all, to record disease incidence and allow a scientific, evidence-based approach to health and welfare;
- Support for increased use of health screening for known diseases and a legal requirement for screening of sires and dams for commercial breeding;
- The call for all registered dogs to be permanently identified, for example by microchip;
- The requirement for all stakeholders to work together [something the BVA Animal Welfare Foundation has already started working on];
- The call for more robust enforcement of the Kennel Club accredited breeder scheme and random inspections to ensure it stands up to scrutiny.
- The belief that it would be beneficial to use the long-awaited Code of Practice (under the Animal Welfare Act 2006) to encourage potential puppy owners to focus on the health and welfare of their chosen breed.
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