Rspca Uk Warns Against Purebred Dogs

[Steve]

http://www.politics.co.uk/opinion-formers/...#036;366366.htm

Sory there's a block which wont allow me to copy the article.

60% of dogs sold last year in the UK were purebreds - bagging purebreds and their breeders out pretty well.

[shortstep]

RSPCA: Seen a dog you like at Crufts?

Wednesday, 09, Mar 2011 12:15

Sixty per cent of dogs bought in the last two years were pure-breeds, an RSPCA-commissioned survey shows1. The RSPCA is concerned that if dog owners aren't doing their research, they may be buying puppies that are prone to health and welfare problems.

Many pedigree dogs are vulnerable to unnecessary disease, disability, pain or behavioural problems. This is because they're bred primarily for how they look rather than with health, welfare or temperament in mind.

Dog shows like Crufts use breed standards to describe how a 'perfect' example of each breed of dog should look as the main judging criteria.

We believe these standards encourage the breeding of disabled dogs with exaggerated features. They also encourage breeding from closely related animals, which can result in puppies that have a higher chance of inheriting diseases.

RSPCA senior scientist Claire Calder said: "Anyone thinking of getting a dog needs to be aware of the serious health and welfare problems affecting pedigree dogs and should understand that this is one of the biggest challenges facing dog welfare in the UK today.

"It's now more than two years since the BBC One documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed was broadcast. Some progress has been made by the dog world, but it's not nearly enough.

"The RSPCA is making big steps forward by funding a three-year research project to develop a new system to collect, analyse and interpret data on inherited disorders in both dogs and cats. We are also working with the British Veterinary Association Animal Welfare Foundation to develop a puppy sales contract, to help the public to make properly informed decisions when buying a puppy.

"But these measures alone aren't sufficient to solve the problem. We will continue to urge everyone involved in dog breeding to take urgent action. If this progress isn't made, it's pedigree dogs and their owners who will end up paying a high price."2

An RSPCA animation, launched as part of our Get Puppy Smart campaign, helps puppy buyers find out how best to go about getting a dog and explains the problems exaggerated features and inherited diseases can cause. You can watch the animation at: www.getpuppysmart.com.

Claire Calder said: "Sadly far too many people are living with the consequences of buying a puppy on impulse. A cute-looking puppy or dog can be hard to resist, but the result of not looking beyond this can be hundreds of pounds spent on vet bills and a pet with long lasting health and welfare problems - in some cases for a large proportion or even all of its life.

"The RSPCA's Get Puppy Smart campaign aims to help prospective puppy buyers make the right decision by thinking about what type of dog best suits their lifestyle, how to find a good breeder and how to select a happy and healthy puppy that's less likely to have to exaggerated features and inherited disorders.

"We hope that More 4's coverage of Crufts will also help inform the public in a responsible way and reflect deep concern about the health and welfare of pedigree dogs. It is vital the coverage is open and honest about the serious health and welfare issues that continue to affect many pedigree dogs, without glossing over the issues."

The survey also shows that 46 per cent of dogs (both crossbreeds and pure breeds) bought in the last two years have suffered health problems, so it is especially important that prospective puppy buyers do their research before choosing the right type of dog for them.

Just 26 per cent of people said they researched the diseases common in the breed of dog they were thinking of getting, and only 17 per cent of dog owners saw the disease screening test results for their puppy's parents.

-ends-

Notes to editors:

1. The research was conducted by TNS via OnlineBus, an internet survey. A sample of 7,272 GB adults aged 16-64 were interviewed. Of these, 848 people had acquired a puppy in the past two years. Interviewing was conducted by online self-completion from 23 November 2010 to 20 January 2011.

2. The RSPCA urges the dog breeding world to take forward the recommendations made by the RSPCA-commissioned report. Here is a small selection of the recommendations yet to be actioned:

- changes to current Kennel Club registration rules to prevent the registration of puppies born from the matings of close relatives. The RSPCA welcomes the fact that the Kennel Club will no longer register puppies from matings between mother and son, father and daughter or brother and sister. However, this does not go far enough and the authors of the RSPCA-commissioned report called for this to be extended to include matings between grandparents and offspring and half siblings.

- changes to current registration rules to allow new genetic material to be introduced into breeds

- the development of detailed management plans for each dog breed

- only registering puppies from parents which have both undergone compulsory health screening tests for prioritised disorders and are considered suitable for breeding.

Please note the puppy contract project is underway but incomplete so we are not releasing further information at this time.

3. The RSPCA decided not to attend Crufts 2009 to send a clear message that urgent action must be taken to improve the health and welfare of pedigree dogs. Several other leading animal welfare charities and show sponsors followed suit, and the BBC decided not to broadcast the show. The RSPCA did not attend Crufts 2010 and will not have a presence at Crufts 2011.

RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS

Edited March 9, 2011 by shortstep

[stonecutter]

The survey also shows that 46 per cent of dogs (both crossbreeds and pure breeds) bought in the last two years have suffered health problems, so it is especially important that prospective puppy buyers do their research before choosing the right type of dog for them.

Yeah - let's break that down to see crossbreeds and pure breeds as separate figures - perhaps they didn't because pure breeds may have come out lower

What is classified as a "health problem" anyway - something as simple as a skin condition caused by allergic reaction to something in diet could potentially be classified as a "health problem".

Got to love half-arsed attempts at research (especially surveys - response bias!!)

[shortstep]

RSPCA senior scientist Claire Calder said: "Anyone thinking of getting a dog needs to be aware of the serious health and welfare problems affecting pedigree dogs and should understand that this is one of the biggest challenges facing dog welfare in the UK today.

Any kennel club breeders in the UK or Australia that think this is going away, sadly mistakened.

Same message as all the other times. Kennel club = Shows + Standards = bad breeders and sick dogs = one of the biggest welfare problems for dogs in the today.

Edited March 9, 2011 by shortstep

[Christina]

They are starting to sound like a business knocking the opposition.

Why can't they focus on what they are supposed to be doing. There & here.

Preventing cruelty to animals & saving & helping as many that are at risk from neglect & cruelty as possible.

They are spending more of the publics kindly & well intentioned donated money on these stupid publicity claims, administration & trying to control everything but the main issue of doing the job that is supposed to be done.

[shortstep]

What is classified as a "health problem" anyway - something as simple as a skin condition caused by allergic reaction to something in diet could potentially be classified as a "health problem".

Allergies are the result of a mal functioning immune system and they are a big health problem. Most believe that immune system disorders such as a tendency towards allergies is inherited.

Dog breeders need to actively and aggressively breed against allergies or any other indication of a mal functioning immune system in dogs. Now how to breed away from immune system disorders is another story.

[becks]

What a surprise, it's Crufts week AKA breeder/pedigree dog bashing week.

Funny they do this in the same week they have run lots of adverts on TV pleading for funds to save the animals

[Jed]

After reading that, can anyone assume that there will be any purebred dogs in 20 years? Of course there wont be.

The UKKC is certainly not doing anything effective to counter this - although they abhor it.

[Sheridan]

After reading that, can anyone assume that there will be any purebred dogs in 20 years? Of course there wont be.

The UKKC is certainly not doing anything effective to counter this - although they abhor it.

Not much different to here then.

[fuzzy82]

Actually, Crufts doesn't care much about health and welfare, as long as the dog meets the breed standard then it's all good and that's the most important thing. I think that doesn't promote healthy breeding at all, and it's more important to breed for health that for breed standard looks.

Doesn't apply to all breeds of course.

[Staranais]

Sensationalist and biased reporting, but there's a lot more the kennel club could be doing to defend itself against these types of accusations too. If they don't defend their policies and can't prove each of their breeds is just as healthy as the average crossbreed dog, then of course they will look guilty to the public and the RSPCA will take advantage of that.

[MissMolly]

This really pees me off... I am so over reading about how pure breds are so full of health problems... No one is collecting data on cross bred dogs and recording their findings on their health problems...

[Turkey Trip]

I'm not saying there isn't a problem with the breeding of pure bred animals, I've said it before and here we go again - there always will be some problems as long as it is impossible to stop idiots from breeding dog, cats, whatever.

However, this has holes all over it:

1) The timing - a pathetically transparent attention grab during Crufts week. Are they feeling irrelevant and afraid the presence all those healthy, beautiful and sound purebred dogs competing in conformation and performance events might suck the wind from their sails?

2) "Many pedigree dogs are vulnerable to unnecessary disease, disability, pain or behavioural problems. This is because they're bred primarily for how they look rather than with health, welfare or temperament in mind." - While this may apply to some supposedly "purebred" dogs - ie. those bred by the above-mentioned idiots and profit driven puppy farmers/back yard breeders thus ending up in pet shop windows or sold over the internet, the vast majority of quality pedigree dogs come from ethical and informed breeders who know and love their breed and plan matings not merely for appearance, but for the whole dog, the complet package, ie. soundness in structure, temperament and health, often after an expensive investment in using health-tested parents.

Breed standards are not the problem, they cover not just appearance but structure, character and temperament and were originally written for existing, healthy and functional dogs of that breed. It is the wrongful interpretation and reward for exaggeration of these breed points by some breeders and judges, (that idiot factor again) that thankfully, has been put in perspective in recent years and these breeds are now swinging back into healthy equilibrium thanks to efforts by concerned breeders and the Kennel Club.

3)"The survey also shows that 46 per cent of dogs (both crossbreeds and pure breeds) bought in the last two years have suffered health problems, so it is especially important that prospective puppy buyers do their research before choosing the right type of dog for them."

So, in this survey (more about that later) - 46% of crossbred AND pure bred dogs were reported as having health problems. That's BOTH, not just pedigree dogs and also means that 54% or more than half of pure AND crossbred dogs are healthy. I guess we cross - bred humans would have about the same percentage of health problems over our lifetime .. which is why we need to train both Doctors and Veterinarians.

4)" The research was conducted by TNS via OnlineBus, an internet survey. A sample of 7,272 GB adults aged 16-64 were interviewed. Of these, 848 people had acquired a puppy in the past two years. Interviewing was conducted by online self-completion from 23 November 2010 to 20 January 2011."

So, a purely voluntary survey over 3 months gathered just over 7,000 responses in a population of over 61 million people. And who would have the urge or interest to participate and respond to such a survey, should they actually chance upon it? Those with a grievance of course. So in a population of over 61 million people you have an infinitesimal response basically comprised not of a cross-section of society, but of people with a (perhaps justifiable) grievance or axe to grind. AND did the survey ask where they bought their so-called "purebred" or crossbred animals from? My bet is the local pet shop and their breeders were once again, the aforementioned idiots and dollar driven entreprenuers.

Lastly: "The RSPCA decided not to attend Crufts 2009 to send a clear message that urgent action must be taken to improve the health and welfare of pedigree dogs. Several other leading animal welfare charities and show sponsors followed suit, and the BBC decided not to broadcast the show. The RSPCA did not attend Crufts 2010 and will not have a presence at Crufts 2011. "

Well aren't they the silly billies? The public never even missed them and won't again this year. They'll be too busy having fun, spending money and watching the beautiful, healthy dogs they love to see. What will be missed, is the opportunity to promote other good work the RSPCA does for animals in need, fund raise and in general to gain audience with people and a large chunk of society who love animals.

Time for a reality check RSPCA. Go incognito to Crufts 2011 and see for yourself all the healthy, sound and happy pedigree dogs. Oh and next time you do a survey and come up with "Sixty per cent of dogs bought in the last two years were pure-breeds"; please ask those 60% of dog-owner's why they chose a pure-bred dog and most importantly, where they bought their puppy from.

[mita]

RSPCA (UK, my emphasis) senior scientist Claire Calder said: "Anyone thinking of getting a dog needs to be aware of the serious health and welfare problems affecting pedigree dogs and should understand that this is one of the biggest challenges facing dog welfare in the UK today.

This quote from the article sums up its worth for me. The context is the UK.

Meanwhile, across the North Sea in Denmark, research shows that a bunch of pure breeds are in front of the constitution- leading- to- longevity stakes. Yes, in front of mixed breeds.

RSPCA Qld nominates the dogs churned out from awful puppy farms, as the biggest challenge facing dog welfare in Australia.

They, in fact, advise people looking for a purebred dog to go to a Canine Association registered breeder, only (Imprint).

I'd prefer energy to put on some decent PR re the best of the purebred dog world here in our own country...Australia.

Presently, any such PR is practically non-existent. Leaving a vacuum into which this 'stuff' from the UK rushes in to fill. Yet it has nothing to do with the Australian context.

Edited March 10, 2011 by mita

[Dogsfevr]

Actually, Crufts doesn't care much about health and welfare, as long as the dog meets the breed standard then it's all good and that's the most important thing. I think that doesn't promote healthy breeding at all, and it's more important to breed for health that for breed standard looks.

Doesn't apply to all breeds of course.

Care to elaborate ???

So all us dog show folk on here are also the same are we ???

[SparkyTansy]

Actually, Crufts doesn't care much about health and welfare, as long as the dog meets the breed standard then it's all good and that's the most important thing. I think that doesn't promote healthy breeding at all, and it's more important to breed for health that for breed standard looks.

Doesn't apply to all breeds of course.

*crufts* is an event... which follows the general way in which dog shows are run. They have, however, selected specific breeds which will be tested for general good health before awarding their BOBs, this year. I know it's off the back of PDE,but it shows they are doing something.

By saying *crufts* doesn't care, you are putting every exhibitor in the same category of not caring. What of those that breed for the breed standard AND health?

In saying that, a healthy dog also has good health from sound structure. What of these breeders, who breed two unrelated specimins (maybe of different breeds), who have general good health and even good scores (if we go that far)... but structurally they are poor which increases their chances of being in poor health at an early age? Poor bites, poor ear structure causing bad infections, bad eyes from breeding with a specimen with lose eyelids? Soft toplines, dropped croups, long loins? I'd love to know if these breeders who think that breeding to a standard is not necessary have a basic knowledge and understanding of anatomy and basic structure.

[shortstep]

RSPCA (UK, my emphasis) senior scientist Claire Calder said: "Anyone thinking of getting a dog needs to be aware of the serious health and welfare problems affecting pedigree dogs and should understand that this is one of the biggest challenges facing dog welfare in the UK today.

This quote from the article sums up its worth for me. The context is the UK.

Meanwhile, across the North Sea in Denmark, research shows that a bunch of pure breeds are in front of the constitution- leading- to- longevity stakes. Yes, in front of mixed breeds.

RSPCA Qld nominates the dogs churned out from awful puppy farms, as the biggest challenge facing dog welfare in Australia.

They, in fact, advise people looking for a purebred dog to go to a Canine Association registered breeder, only (Imprint).

I'd prefer energy to put on some decent PR re the best of the purebred dog world here in our own country...Australia.

Presently, any such PR is practically non-existent. Leaving a vacuum into which this 'stuff' from the UK rushes in to fill. Yet it has nothing to do with the Australian context.

You keep telling us that. Like I said, anyone who believes this does not apply in OZ is sadly mistaken. I think you know that too.

BTW how is the 10 point plan at syndey coming alone, and the Vet data base to track purebred dog vet visits and then there is the inbreeding study. So much going on there about purebred dogs and their welfare issues I can not even keep track.

Edited March 10, 2011 by shortstep

[shortstep]

*crufts* is an event... which follows the general way in which dog shows are run. They have, however, selected specific breeds which will be tested for general good health before awarding their BOBs, this year. I know it's off the back of PDE,but it shows they are doing something.

By saying *crufts* doesn't care, you are putting every exhibitor in the same category of not caring. What of those that breed for the breed standard AND health?

In saying that, a healthy dog also has good health from sound structure. What of these breeders, who breed two unrelated specimins (maybe of different breeds), who have general good health and even good scores (if we go that far)... but structurally they are poor which increases their chances of being in poor health at an early age? Poor bites, poor ear structure causing bad infections, bad eyes from breeding with a specimen with lose eyelids? Soft toplines, dropped croups, long loins? I'd love to know if these breeders who think that breeding to a standard is not necessary have a basic knowledge and understanding of anatomy and basic structure.

Well you keep telling the RSPCA that and the Uni of Sydney. Still waiting for that line of response to work and for them all to see it your way.

[mita]

You keep telling us that. Like I said, anyone who believes this does not apply in OZ is sadly mistaken. I think you know that too.

Who's 'us'? And what is 'that'? What is 'this' that it's a mistake not to believe in Australia? And why do you believe you have mind-reading skills?

Edited March 10, 2011 by mita

[shortstep]

You keep telling us that. Like I said, anyone who believes this does not apply in OZ is sadly mistaken. I think you know that too.

Who's 'us'? And what is 'that'? What is 'this' that it's a mistake not to believe in Australia? And why do you believe you have mind-reading skills?

Us = people who read your post.

That= that huge push to shut down purebred dog showing and even breeding if that is what takes to drive change which you are denying is happeing here in OZ

Mind read = not hardly needed, anyone looking from can see it, more a smack in the head with a bat.

Anyone who thinks that the vet checking a few breeds once a year at Crufts is going to make this all go away is blind. Blind to what they want, which is a total shift in how dogs in the kennel club are bred and the end of dog shows, which they believe drives the problems.

Edited March 10, 2011 by shortstep