Pedigree dogs Exposed!
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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Let's Stop the battle to win the war
The Kennel Club are at fault as are certain breeders of certain breeds. It is unacceptable to line breed, it makes absolutly NO genetic sense at all, and has been proven scientifically to endanger the health and welfre of progeny. There is no way this can be disputed by any person of a logical disposition, sadly the programme did display an illogical disposition in certain people who were interviewed. The only way to win the war is to firstly gather information as to the REAL picture in relation to certain breeds. We need to know;
1. Which breeds are 'high risk'
2. Which conditions these breeds are displaying
3. The incidence of these problems
4. The severity of these conditions in the individual dog
5. The age of onset of the condition
6. The outcome of the condition (reduced lifespan, humane euthenasia etc)
Obviously this is a short list, but even this would provide indisputable proof one way or the other, you get the idea! There is the issue of confidentially within the veterinary profession, however there would be no immediate threat to individual breeders if the RCVS could encourage their members to complete a survey as a general picture of the incidence in their practice, no names!
I am sure that the KC could only encourage such an idea as they have stated their dedication to canine welfare. I am also sure that the same goes for he RCVS. Lets try to take the emotion out of this (very difficult I know). If we can work with facts rather than feelings then we can only be successful in ensureing the continued welfare of canines.
Lellah,
PS let me know if you need a co orinator...would make a great PHd thesis!
Lellah at 21 Aug 2008 22:24
pedigree dogs exposed
I was rather horrified by what I saw on this program.Something urgently needs to be done to stop inbreeding.
sasha 131 at 22 Aug 2008 01:56
Horrified by Pedegree Dogs Exposed
I could not believe the inhumanity displayed by the dog breeders and the complete disregard for medical and sceintific expert opinion.
As a dog lover I can not understand hw anyone can justify risking the health and happiness of an animal to fit a very narrow definition of beauty.
Please end this insanity now.
Sharon Nelson at 22 Aug 2008 23:13