Canine News

We hope to bring you news from the canine world

Three separate Inquiries in the last eighteen months have recommended the creation of an independent Advisory Council to provide advice regarding the welfare issues of dog breeding.

In February a consortium of organisations concerned with the welfare of dogs formed a ‘Review Board’ to take forward the key recommendations of the three inquiries. Their unanimous view was that the most important first step was the formation of the independent Advisory Council.

Applications are now sought for the post of founding Chairman for the Council. The successful candidate will have an unparalleled opportunity to influence the future welfare of dogs and to spearhead the provision of advice given, so as to achieve major improvements in the welfare impact of dog breeding.

Professor Sir Patrick Bateson commented today “The health and welfare problems caused by dog breeding were first identified more than 40 years ago. We know the problems and we can find the solutions. Advances in science are improving our understanding of the issues and the potential solutions daily. The appointment of the first Chairman for this Council is critical and he or she will play a key role in developing a strategy for resolving the problems and making a step change in the quality of life for millions of dogs.”

The deadline for applications is 14 May and interviews will be held on 14 June (Cambridge) and 16-17 June (London).

Please see website www.dogadvisorycouncil.org.uk for details of how to apply.

The organisations forming the Review Board on the welfare aspects of dog breeding are:Blue Cross BSAVA (British Small Animal Veterinary Association) BVA (British Veterinary Association) CAWC (Companion Animal Welfare Council) Defra Dogs Trust Kennel Club PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals) RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Scottish Government Welsh Assembly

Pedigree dog breeding in the UK: a major welfare concern? (from the RSPCA),

The Report of the Associate Parliamentary Group on Animal Welfare (APGAW)

The Bateson Inquiry Report