Kennel Club initiatives to improve breed health

The objective of the Kennel Club is to improve the welfare, health and general well being of all dogs, throughout every stage of their lives. To fulfil this objective the Kennel Club has long been working on the issue of breed health as a priority and is still continuing to do so – particularly in light of scientific advances. For legal reasons (a raft of competition law and sports law), the Kennel Club is not able to refuse registrations – it is because of this that the Kennel Club launched the Accredited Breeder Scheme (see below).

The Kennel Club along with breeders and breed clubs have made a good start in improving breed health. This page outlines the progress the Kennel Club has made to date, and also plans for the future.

Support in Parliament

Following the Kennel Club’s recent announcement, Andrew Murrison MP, has tabled an EDM on Dog Health and the Kennel Club. This states: ‘this House welcomes the initiatives being put into place by the Kennel Club to improve the health of pedigree dogs, including regular health surveys, changes that have been made to breed standards and judging criteria, the Fit for Function Fit for Life education campaign and the Accredited Breeder Scheme, which requires breeders to carry out breed specific health testing on pedigree dogs to ensure future generations are healthy; and calls on the Government to encourage breeders to become accredited.’

To support our breed health campaign, please write to your local MP and ask them to sign up to EDM 2250 Dog Health and Kennel Club.

Dog Showing - Suggested Form of Wording to an MP

The following site allows you to write to your MP directly: http://www.writetothem.com/

You can find out who your MP is by visiting www.upmystreet.com/commons/l/

Working with Dogs Trust

The Kennel Club and welfare charity Dogs Trust, the two leading dog organisations in the UK, have also called for Government support for an independent review into the registration, breeding and showing of dogs to ensure their long term health and welfare.  Further news will appear on this site as the review progresses. Click here to read the full press release.

Accredited Breeder Scheme (ABS) 

The ABS was established with the primary aim of improving the overall standards of breeding all dogs. Accredited Breeders are required to make use of health screening schemes relevant to their breed on all breeding stock. The requirements of the ABS are constantly under review and are becoming ever more stringent. The ABS has over 3000 members – the standards set are rigorously upheld and anyone found wanting is removed by the scheme. To be effective, the scheme must be supported by all responsible dog breeders.

The Kennel Club  has called on the government to review the laws surrounding the breeding of dogs so that the principles and standards of the Accredited Breeder Scheme become mandatory for all those breeding dogs in the UK. Accredited Breeders agree to use health screening schemes, relevant to their breed, on all breeding stock. This would mean that every puppy sold to future dog owners, and indeed, every dog in the show ring (born in the UK) would have had to bred by an accredited breeder, and therefore with health as a priority, and with the appropriate health screening tests carried out.

Review of Pedigree Dog Breeds

The Kennel Club is also launching a complete review of every pedigree dog breed in the UK in a move to safeguard the health of Pedigree Dogs, which will have far-reaching benefits for the health of many breeds. Click here to read the full press release.

Funding research through the Kennel Club’s Charitable Trust

The Kennel Club funds research through its Charitable Trust to improve the health of dogs. A number of research projects are in hand with such bodies as the Animal Health Trust and the veterinary Universities. We are currently working with Imperial College to examine the available genetic research findings, specifically relating to close matings and frequently used sires and how these matters should be addressed.

Health Survey

The Kennel Club in conjunction with the British Small Animal Veterinary Association conducted the largest canine health survey in the world in 2004, of over 52,000 dogs. It provided us with the data needed to identify breeds with health problems.

Breed Club Health Programmes

As a result of the health survey, the Kennel Club identified breeds in need of major health improvements. Such breeds included the Bulldog, the Chow Chow and short faced breeds including the Pug. The list of breeds requiring attention is continually reviewed and it is likely that in light of further scientific research being carried out (and paid for by the Kennel Club) other breeds will be added. Work with these breed clubs is undertaken by the Breed Health and Welfare Strategy Group.

The Breed Health and Welfare Strategy Group (BHWSG)

The BHWSG consists of Kennel Club representatives and independent experts with extensive veterinary knowledge and was established to take forward the breed club health programmes. A Breed Health Plan for all 209 Kennel Club recognised breeds will be in place by the end of 2008, to ensure that health continues to be the top priority in breeding all pedigree dogs.

Date page created:

Categories:

Accredited Breeder Scheme (ABS), Charitable Trust, Dog Health and DNA, Responsible Dog Breeding, Kennel Club 

Sections:

About Us

This article has been read 11208 times.