The Advisory Council on the Welfare Issues of Dog Breeding has launched its Standard to set out the, council-recommended, minimum standards that those involved in dog breeding must meet.
British Veterinary Association (BVA) president Carl Padgett said: “We welcome the Standard, which applies to all types of dogs and all types of breeder. The way in which a puppy is bred and how it is treated and socialised during the first weeks of its life has a huge impact on its health and temperament.
“Sadly, all too often veterinary surgeons see the devastating consequences of poor breeding practices. It is important that only physically and temperamentally healthy dogs are used for breeding and that their puppies are reared in an appropriate environment.
“One of the key challenges facing any responsible person who wishes to buy a puppy is deciding who to buy it from. The Standard offers clear, sound, practical guidance and is a big step forward in trying to improve the environment in which dogs are being bred.”
The Standard is designed to protect the health and welfare of both breeding stock and their puppies. Besides covering the minimum standards outlined by the Council, the Standard covers aspects such as socialisation; daily routine; and feeding, and will be updated regularly according to the best available science.
Mr Padgett added: “I am particularly delighted that the Advisory Council has highlighted the puppy contract and puppy information pack (PIP) recently launched by the BVA Animal Welfare Foundation and RSPCA. The contract and PIP arm buyers with the knowledge to give themselves the best chance of getting a fit, healthy and happy, well socialised pet to join their household and they have been designed to help good breeders demonstrate the care and attention they have devoted to their puppies’ breeding and upbringing.
“I would urge Ministers to heed the recommendations set out in this Standard and we must all continue to do everything within our powers to keep up the momentum to improve dog breeding.”
