British Veterinary Groups Discuss Dog Breeding

Moving forward on dog breeding

The veterinary profession was well represented at a meeting of key stakeholders brought together to discuss the next steps on dog breeding. The British Veterinary Association (BVA), British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) and Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) together with welfare organisations, the Kennel Club, Defra, and the Scottish Government considered the three major dog breeding reports by APGAW, RSPCA and Professor Bateson.

The group agreed to work on a proposal to set up an Advisory Council on the Welfare Issues of Dog Breeding, as recommended by Professor Bateson.

The group also identified the key areas to be addressed as

* education and publicity
* legislation and regulation
* breeding strategies
* surveillance, research and development

The meeting was chaired by Professor Sheila Crispin PhD FRCVS. After the meeting Prof Crispin said:

“In a highly constructive meeting stakeholders welcomed the three reports and there was broad acceptance of the thrust of the recommendations. A key action agreed was for the formation of an Advisory Council on the Welfare Issues of Dog Breeding. A proposal will be prepared for submission to Ministers.

“The many actions already in hand to address these issues were noted and it was agreed that future work would build on these initiatives through collaboration. We also welcome the interest shown by Defra and the devolved administrations.”

Professor Bill Reilly, President of the BVA, added:

“Clearly the veterinary profession has a key role to play in educating the public about the health and welfare issues of choosing a dog.

“The BVA strongly supports the idea set out in Professor Bateson’s report that an advisory council should be independent and draw on the opinions of experts and we are pleased to be part of the group setting up such a council.”
Notes for editors

1. The three reports considered by the stakeholders are

* Pedigree dog breeding in the UK: a major welfare concern? (RSPCA)
* A healthier future for pedigree dogs (APGAW)
* Independent inquiry into dog breeding (Patrick Bateson)

2. Organisations represented at the meeting were BSAVA, BVA , CAWC, Defra, Dogs Trust, International Sheepdog Society
Kennel Club, PDSA, Scottish Government, RCVS, RSPCA

3. Enquiries about the stakeholder group can be directed to Prof Sheila Crispin s.m.crispin@bristol.ac.uk 07802 667 235 or 015395 68637 or Heather Peck (secretariat) heather@drydraytonestate.com 07876 681 954 or 01954 210 402