Pedigree Dogs - what is the profession actually doing?

Re: Pedigree Dogs - what is the profession actually doing?

Bob Russell — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 14:07:47 GMT

For the profession to have any impact there needs to be a receptive audience! We are talking breeders here! When did you last achieve any useful dialogue with a breeder?

Better Steve Dean is with the KC where he can do limited damage.

Re: Pedigree Dogs - what is the profession actually doing?

Cat Henstridge — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 13:33:04 GMT

So, our professional bodies truly are doing NOTHING to try to improve the health and welfare of pedigree dogs?! Does anyone else find this shocking or is it just me? Isn't it our job to stand up for animals?

Or am I just being naive?

Re: Pedigree Dogs - what is the profession actually doing?

Anthony Todd — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 13:07:58 GMT

[quote user="David Mills"]when there was the uproar [/quote]

It was ever thus.

A noted vet I know got into all sorts of strife by failing a really lethal alsation (owned by a KC judge) on health grounds; viz temperamentally unsound.

Re: Pedigree Dogs - what is the profession actually doing?

David Mills — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 12:59:53 GMT

There is a cosy cabal at the top of the KC, RCVS, and BVA so there's no chance of anything other than lip service to this.

Steve Dean is the chairman of KC. He came on here 2-3 years ago when there was the uproar about the dog being declared unhealthy by the on-site vet (you can search for it probably). He seemed unable to compute that the extreme conformation breeds suffer. He disappeared soon after to stick his head back in the "all breeders are only interested in welfare sand".

As said by Ms M, it is a quiet movement. Until you hit the breeders, however, it's like running through treacle. Moreover, it just pushes these things underground or backstreet - your average pedigree buyer is more bothered by the breed they're getting than it being registered with KC; which makes the KC's welfare argument even more laughable.

Re: Pedigree Dogs - what is the profession actually doing?

Gillian Mostyn — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 12:33:33 GMT

I take time to explain to potential breeders why their pet's genes are better off stopping with their pet..... I discuss why it's conformation issues are causing their pet's illness....and I refuse to offer elective caesarians... amongst other things.

I suspect the vast majority of vets are doing the same.

Sometimes battles are fought quietly.