Thank you for all your emails of support about our decision to withdraw from Crufts and Discover Dogs. At this crucial time it is also incredibly helpful to read all your constructive suggestions of what now needs to happen. We know how shocked people were by footage in the BBC documentary, but we also understand how many of our supporters were already aware of the health issues relating to some pedigree dogs.

As we would expect, we have also received a few critical responses and I’d like to address a couple of the points raised. I must stress that our decision not to attend Crufts or Discover Dogs in no way means that we have stopped having dialogue with The Kennel Club. This is the time that all organisations with an interest in dogs need to come together to affect real change. I also want to reiterate that we are not anti pedigree dogs, pedigree breeders or their owners. We know that the majority of breeders prioritise good health and temperament in their dogs and are highly responsible in their breeding methods. However as the UK’s largest dog welfare charity we have a duty to defend dogs from practices which subject them to suffering – on this occasion our actions can speak louder than words.

I did so enjoy my visit to our Snetterton Centre recently. The team must know a thing or two about meteorology as they managed to pick the one sunny day in August to celebrate the opening of their new playground areas. Thanks to the generosity of a certain gentleman, who wanted to thank the Centre for rehoming him two beautiful dogs, eight concrete compounds have been transformed into palatial all weather playgrounds. These are not just any old exercise areas – these are themed to ensure our canine residents can reside in luxury: from a beach side setting, a nursery for the puppies through to a water park and a traditional sitting room.

Although the whole day was a wonderfully happy occasion, my highlight was watching two greyhounds regally stretching out on two sofas in their new premium surroundings without a care in the world.

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Last week, we released the results of our annual Stray Dogs Report and it is great to be able to report that the number of dogs that are allowed to stray has dipped to below 100,000 for the first time. However, 100,000 is a huge number and it does reflect a rather cavalier attitude towards our canine friends. It seems it is as easy to abandon a dog as it is to purchase one.

We need now to look at ways of reducing this substantially. Interestingly, 30% of dogs that strayed were returned to their owners through microchipping which is a positive indication that this method of ID is working and gaining in importance. Whilst doing some radio and TV interviews it was a golden opportunity to encourage viewers or listeners to consider a rescue dog before turning to a pet shop, back street breeder or the classified advertisements to pick up a “retail rover”.

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