Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee Written evidence submitted by Universities Federation for Animal Welfare

In respect to concerns expressed in Professor Bateson’s report over poor welfare that has arisen in the course of breeding dogs:

Has the response by dog breeders and the veterinary profession been effective?

What actions should Government take to address these issues?

Are further controls required on dog breeders, including puppy farms, and those selling or importing dogs to ensure the welfare of bitches and puppies?

(i)Following the publication of CAWC’s 2006 report on “Breeding and Welfare in Companion Animals”, and other reports that followed on this topic, there have been a variety of new initiatives and efforts to help address these problems and it is hoped that these will be effective in time in improving the genetic health of dogs. To reduce the prevalence of many of the genetic welfare problems that occur will take time. It is probably too early to try to judge the efficacy of many of these.

An important factor in the perpetuation of genetic welfare problems has been lack of awareness of the welfare consequences of genetic conditions. In order to help address this, UFAW is developing a website that aims to provide clear information for prospective pet buyers and breeders, on the welfare effects of genetic diseases and conditions. This website is at http://www.ufaw.org.uk/geneticwelfareproblems.php.

It is hoped that, along with other initiatives listed at the website, including:

the establishment of the Advisory Council on Welfare Issues of Dog Breeding (http://dogadvisorycouncil.org.uk/)

the establishment of the BVA AWF/RSPCA Puppy Contract scheme, (http://puppycontract.rspca.org.uk/home)

the development of an advisory website for puppy buyers (www.dogbreedhealth.com)

joint BVA/Kennel Club initiatives for testing for genetic diseases (eg http://www.bva.co.uk/atoz/1392.aspx) (http://www.bva.co.uk/news/2742.aspx); and

the development of new genetic tests (http://www.aht.org.uk/cms-display/genetics_cares.html)

that this will help in reducing the prevalence of existing genetic welfare problems and in preventing others from arising.

(ii)The Government should (through an appropriate body or bodies) monitor progress and be prepared to be responsive to requests for support for research and educational initiatives in topics of major animal welfare importance in this field.

As regards microchipping, this is likely to be beneficial for welfare in dealing with lost or stray dogs and, as part of a health surveillance scheme, in helping to identify strains with genetic diseases. A scheme could be funded by owners so would require no public funds.

June 2012