IRISH WOLFHOUND SOCIETY OF IRELAND

 

     
  • Knowledge comes through practise
     Gnáthamh na hoibre an t-eólas


  • Dog Breeding Report: Final Version


    The Independent Inquiry into Dog Breeding has published its report.  It's recommendations are very different from  recent speculation.

    Prof. Sir Patrick Bateson, the chairman of the report, has asked for breeders to work toward improving the health of pedigree dogs rather than recommending wholesale statutory changes to dog breeding regulations.

    The 65-page report is available online, and it should be obligatory reading to anyone with an interest in dogs.
  • Evidence was gathered from breeders, breed clubs, veterinary surgeons, other scientists, animal welfare groups and pet owners. The report provides an excellent summary of the issues of ill health associated with the inbreeding that’s an unavoidable part of creating pedigree dog breeds.

 

  • PDF Version here:

    The report includes a number of recommendations, but there are three key actions that will now be taken.

    Firstly, a non-statutory independent Advisory Council on Dog Breeding will be established, to develop evidence-based breeding strategies that address the key issues of poor health. Council members will be appointed in line with Nolan principles, managed by DEFRA. This new Advisory Council will offer guidelines and support to the Kennel Club in the drawing up of new breed standards and in further developing the Accredited Breeder Scheme.

    Secondly, a computer-based database will be established using anonymised breed-specific data submitted by veterinary surgeons in practice, to establish the severity of health problems in each breed. This will allow tracking of the most serious problems, which can then be prioritized.

    Thirdly, the report recommends that all puppies (not just pedigree animals) should be microchipped before they are sold.

    There are many other recommendations, including a review of the Dangerous Dogs Act and the various Breeding and Sales of Dogs Acts.