Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee Written evidence submitted by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation
1. This response is submitted on behalf of The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) by Glynn Evans, Head of Game and Gamekeeping with responsibility for BASC’s gundog programme. BASC was founded in 1908 as the Wildfowlers’ Association of Great Britain and Ireland (WAGBI). Constituted as an Industrial and Provident Society, it is the largest representative body for sporting shooting in the UK, with in excess of 130,000 members; more than 61,000 of these own one or more working dogs. In the latest BASC working dogs survey, of the 18,000 members who responded, 15% owned three or more working dogs.
2. The use of working dogs is an integral part of much countryside management and there are many different types of dogs with the function to work, being more than just a companion or pet; sheepdogs, terriers, hounds and a wide range of different breeds of gundogs for varying functions. BASC strongly recommends that anyone who goes shooting should be accompanied by a trained and competent gundog. Using a well-trained gundog ensures that everything possible has been done for the humane recovery of the quarry and shows a responsible attitude. Furthermore, the ownership and delight in working a well-trained gundog is an enjoyable pastime in itself. The recent independent PACEC report (2006) found that 480,000 people shoot live quarry, “Shooting” supports the equivalent of 70,000 full-time jobs and is worth £1.6 billion to the UK economy.
3. BASC supports Government aims to raise standards of ownership and the welfare of all dogs and has responded to recent consultations with respect to Dog breeding in Northern Ireland, Wales and also with respect to measures to tackle irresponsible dog ownership in England. However, it is highly unlikely that working gundogs or their owners would be associated with the bad practices and anti-social behaviour which these recent consultations seek to address and yet they risk being unfairly impacted upon by some of the proposed measures, suggested to address areas of genuine concern elsewhere.
4. There are clearly some areas of legislation which should not be applied to working dogs. For example under existing legislation there is an exemption which permits tail docking of certain working dogs.
5. In the independent inquiry into dog breeding by Professor Bateson there is only one reference to “hunting” (working gundogs). There is significant reference to breeding dogs for their looks but none to owners who breed dogs to develop their dog’s working ability, health and fitness to work and the temperament to be trained. The owners and breeders of these dogs have been striving to develop such good qualities for many years.
6. Whilst compared to the overall level of dog ownership, the number of those with working dogs may be small but it is a significant minority and as part of the wider perspective in conducting other legitimate activities is essential.
7. There should be participation by those representing working dog owners in relation to discussions and “working groups” regarding dogs, their welfare and future legislation. BASC would be willing to participate in any such future dialogue.
June 2012