A Guide to the Genetic Health of Dogs
Dogs are for life. Think carefully. Choose Wisely. Love Deeply - Canadian Federation of Humane Societies
DEFRA have announced that the Government will bring in compulsory microchipping for dogs in 2016. This is fantastic news although disappointing that we have to wait until 2016.
The Microchipping Alliance, a group overseen by the Dogs Trust, will work out the details. It is hoped that the responsibility for microchipping will be on the breeder initially and then transfer to all subsequent owners.
The Dog Advisory Council adds the ‘Guide to Buying a Puppy’ to its website: www.dogadvisorycouncil/puppy/
The on-line Guide gives general advice to puppy purchasers on finding a good breeder and a healthy puppy in a simple to use question and answer format. It does not include breed specific genetic health issues. However it advises consumers to find out about breed related diseases before choosing a breed and to make sure that a breeder has carried out all the necessary health tests.
On 12 April Carol became the CEVA Pet Lovers Welfare Award winner of 2012
This is for her focussed and dedicated approach to improving the health and welfare of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed; campaigning for the reform of the dog breeding industry; her involvement with the Advisory Council on the Welfare Issues of Dog Breeding; her involvement with the Associated Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare (APGAW).
The award also acknowledged the setting up of the Cavalier Campaign website, providing information about the genetic health problems of Cavaliers and advice to owners. Also the setting up of the Dog Breed Health website to help prospective puppy buyers make the right choice when buying a dog. The website includes information about the genetic health issues of each breed, conformation welfare issues in the relevant breeds, and any health testing /screening apppropriate for the breed.
‘I’m delighted to win this award in recognition of my work. It has given me the encouragement I needed to keep going until the breeding, selling and buying of dogs puts the welfare of the dogs first.’
On the 11th April 2012 the long awaited RSPCA / BVA AWF Puppy Contract and Puppy Information Pack (PIP) was launched at the British Small Animal Veterinary Association Congress.
The Contract can be used by any puppy purchaser or breeder by downloading it from the website: www.puppycontract.org.uk
It’s use will help puppy buyers in their search for a healthy and well socialised puppy. Breeders will also have the reassurance that the puppy purchaser is buying a puppy for the right reasons and will provide an excellent home for one of her pups.
It is hoped that Contract and PIP will become an industry standard and is designed to help good breeders demonstrate the care and attention they have devoted to their puppies’ breeding and upbringing.