Responsible Breeding

Charity welcomes new crackdown on puppy trade

Animal welfare charity Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has today welcomed the Government’s new proposals to crack down on cruel and irresponsible pet breeding practices. Battersea has long campaigned for an end to the suffering it sees – exhausted breeding bitches and their sick and under-socialised puppies sadly come through…

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Vets commend legislation to stop unscrupulous breeders

The Government has announced (22 December) that legislation to crack down on unscrupulous breeders and illegal puppy smuggling could be introduced in early 2018. The proposals under consideration include compulsory licensing for anyone breeding and selling dogs, ensuring that licensed dog breeders show puppies alongside their mother before a sale is…

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Birth-risk for flat faced breeds claims study

New research has found that flat faced brachycephalic dogs are the most likely breed types to encounter problems when giving birth. Compared with other crossbred bitches, French Bulldogs are 15.9 times more likely to have difficulty giving birth (dystocia). This finding forms part of a project called VetCompass, which is…

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Scotland introduces new animal welfare measures

The Scottish Government has announced a package of measures including introducing a ban on wild animals in travelling circuses and legislation to permit tail shortening for spaniels and hunt point retrievers intended for use as working dogs. Responding, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) Scottish Branch President Grace Webster said: “We…

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Charity launches Puppy Pledge

An animal charity has launched a Puppy Pledge asking those who have brought a dog to sign, in an attempt to help prevent irresponsible breeding. The National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) claimed that whilst it would always prefer people to rehome a rescue dog, sometimes it is the right choice for…

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New consultation to stop back-street breeders

Tougher dog breeding licensing to protect the welfare of puppies from back street breeders will be introduced under proposals announced by Defra. A consultation is hoping to strengthen the regulations for dog breeding and pet sales, putting an end to irresponsible breeders who do not regard the health and welfare of…

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Screening and responsible breeding is improving dogs’ health

Health testing used to screen hereditary conditions when dog breeding has improved the health of breeds across the UK, according to new statistics from the Canine Health Schemes. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the Kennel Club jointly run the Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Schemes to screen dogs for certain…

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Grazia article sparks criticism from pet lovers

Grazia’s UK magazine has found itself at the centre of controversy after a recent issue discussed breeding pets as a source “extra pocket money”. The article prompted a flurry of criticism on social media from concerned readers. Cats Protection and the RSPCA were among organisations to express their disappointment. Although the…

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Owner of animal DNA testing labs to appear at Crufts

Experienced genetricist and owner of Animal DNA Diagnostics June Swinburne will attend this year’s Crufts to help owners, breeders and enthusiasts learn about how DNA testing can make an impact on the future health of some dog breeds. Crufts sees the world’s largest collection of pedigree dogs assemble once a…

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BVA call for action on dog welfare

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has called on the Welsh Government to take action on dog welfare, slaughter and TB at the BVA’s annual dinner in Cardiff City Hall. At the dinner, which was attended by parliamentarians, representatives from animal health and welfare organisations, and senior members of the veterinary…

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