Technology9 mins ago
At Last!! Action Can Now Be Taken Against People Breeding Dogs With Genetic Fault.
24 Answers
Maybe this will also cover the breeding of German Shepherds with the acutely sloping backs that appear to be sought after by the people that show these poor unfortunate dogs.
From the Times today.........
Breeders of puppies and kittens who knowingly produce animals with genetic defects, such as French bulldogs that cannot breathe properly, will be liable for prosecution under animal welfare legislation, the government has said.
The move will bring protests from Britain’s booming — and lucrative — pet breeding industry. It comes amid a controversy surrounding certain breeds such as the Scottish fold cat, whose owners include the singing stars Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift.
The cat has a genetic defect preventing it from forming cartilage, the connective tissue whose absence causes lifelong arthritis.
Others include the Munchkin cat, with its disproportionately short legs, and the Cavalier King Charles spaniel, many of which are bred to have an unnaturally small skull that compresses its brain, affecting its spinal cord.
Breeders producing such animals have believed themselves to be safe because the wording of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 seems to exclude them. This weekend the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs confirmed that this interpretation of the act was now seen as incorrect.
“Anyone knowingly breeding animals with genetic defects could be considered to be committing an offence under the 2006 act,” said a spokeswoman.
She said a prosecution could be undertaken by the police, a local authority or an organisation such as the RSPCA, especially if they received formal complaints from the public.
The move follows a campaign led by the British Veterinary Association (BVA).
Gudrun Ravetz, the BVA’s senior vice-president, said: “Celebrities, advertisers and the public inadvertently normalise and even celebrate extreme physical features, which appear ‘cute’ but which are the result of breeding without consideration for welfare.”
The RSPCA said it undertook prosecutions only if it had a complaint from the public: none had yet been received about the deliberate breeding of deformed cats and dogs — but it awaited such developments “with interest”.
The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy, which oversees feline pedigrees and is the registration body for cats in the UK, refuses to recognise breeds such as the Scottish fold cat.
The Kennel Club, which administers pedigree dogs, has faced widespread criticism for allowing breeds such as French bulldogs to retain recognition.
Caroline Kisko, the Kennel Club secretary, said: “The Kennel Club would support legislative measures to improve the quality of dog breeding in the UK.
“The Kennel Club registers only 30% of the pure-bred dog population which means there are thousands of undocumented puppies being bred, most likely by unscrupulous breeders who are effectively churning out puppies for profit, outside of any regulation [and] with no regard for health and welfare.”
https:/
From the Times today.........
Breeders of puppies and kittens who knowingly produce animals with genetic defects, such as French bulldogs that cannot breathe properly, will be liable for prosecution under animal welfare legislation, the government has said.
The move will bring protests from Britain’s booming — and lucrative — pet breeding industry. It comes amid a controversy surrounding certain breeds such as the Scottish fold cat, whose owners include the singing stars Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift.
The cat has a genetic defect preventing it from forming cartilage, the connective tissue whose absence causes lifelong arthritis.
Others include the Munchkin cat, with its disproportionately short legs, and the Cavalier King Charles spaniel, many of which are bred to have an unnaturally small skull that compresses its brain, affecting its spinal cord.
Breeders producing such animals have believed themselves to be safe because the wording of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 seems to exclude them. This weekend the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs confirmed that this interpretation of the act was now seen as incorrect.
“Anyone knowingly breeding animals with genetic defects could be considered to be committing an offence under the 2006 act,” said a spokeswoman.
She said a prosecution could be undertaken by the police, a local authority or an organisation such as the RSPCA, especially if they received formal complaints from the public.
The move follows a campaign led by the British Veterinary Association (BVA).
Gudrun Ravetz, the BVA’s senior vice-president, said: “Celebrities, advertisers and the public inadvertently normalise and even celebrate extreme physical features, which appear ‘cute’ but which are the result of breeding without consideration for welfare.”
The RSPCA said it undertook prosecutions only if it had a complaint from the public: none had yet been received about the deliberate breeding of deformed cats and dogs — but it awaited such developments “with interest”.
The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy, which oversees feline pedigrees and is the registration body for cats in the UK, refuses to recognise breeds such as the Scottish fold cat.
The Kennel Club, which administers pedigree dogs, has faced widespread criticism for allowing breeds such as French bulldogs to retain recognition.
Caroline Kisko, the Kennel Club secretary, said: “The Kennel Club would support legislative measures to improve the quality of dog breeding in the UK.
“The Kennel Club registers only 30% of the pure-bred dog population which means there are thousands of undocumented puppies being bred, most likely by unscrupulous breeders who are effectively churning out puppies for profit, outside of any regulation [and] with no regard for health and welfare.”
https:/
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Baldric. "Your Link is behind a Paywall, can't read it." this is the remainder of the article, missing from my first post.
"Beverley Cuddy, editor of Dogs Today, which has campaigned on the issue for 27 years, said: “At the moment anyone can breed dogs with terrible predictable defects . . . and can make a lot of money by selling them. Customers often have to spend thousands of pounds on surgery but there is no comeback on breeders."
“So if bad breeders become liable to criminal prosecution, it could have a huge benefit for animal welfare.”
@jonathan__leake
"Beverley Cuddy, editor of Dogs Today, which has campaigned on the issue for 27 years, said: “At the moment anyone can breed dogs with terrible predictable defects . . . and can make a lot of money by selling them. Customers often have to spend thousands of pounds on surgery but there is no comeback on breeders."
“So if bad breeders become liable to criminal prosecution, it could have a huge benefit for animal welfare.”
@jonathan__leake
The Kennel Club and Crufts have the answer to this problem. They define the breed standards that go on to win prizes, and make huge sums of money for breeders.
I seem to recall just a year or two back, a German Shepherd winning a prize at Crufts, when it clearly couldn't even walk properly.
No wonder the BBC abandoned showing Crufts.
I seem to recall just a year or two back, a German Shepherd winning a prize at Crufts, when it clearly couldn't even walk properly.
No wonder the BBC abandoned showing Crufts.
Totally with you at 11:20 lb. The Inspectors do a wonderful job and are totally dedicated, I especially love Anthony from Merseyside! Because of the 'fat cats' the RSPCA get a lot of undeserved flack. I have done voluntary work for them many, many times and enjoyed it.
Back to the OP, this is indeed good news.
Back to the OP, this is indeed good news.
Yes melv, the Kennel Club breeders are not all whiter than white. There was a documentary on Ch4 years ago exposing some of them which has been discussed on here in the long distant past. I don't watch Cruft's anymore either because they should know better than to award prizes to deformed dogs.
Thanks hIa, I have fostered for them, as well as The Dog's Trust and a smaller rescue in Surrey.
Ooops, getting off topic again.
Brilliant news Ratter.
Thanks hIa, I have fostered for them, as well as The Dog's Trust and a smaller rescue in Surrey.
Ooops, getting off topic again.
Brilliant news Ratter.
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