Should All UK Rescues and Welfare Organisation Withdraw From Crufts?
Published on September 16, 2008 by Ryan O'Meara · 2 CommentsThe short and simple answer is yes. Yes they should.
The Dogs Trust and the RSPCA have made the right moves. The RSPCA in particular has clearly communicated what it sees as the fundamentals that need to be addressed, they are:
- An overhaul of the rules and requirements for pedigree dog registration and competitive dog showing (including breed standards). Health, welfare and temperament should be prioritised over appearance.
- The development and implementation of health and welfare-focused breeding strategies for individual breeds. This should include pro-active steps to increase the genetic diversity of dog breeds.
- More data collection and scientific analysis on causes of disease and death in dogs
- Education, especially of would-be owners, to encourage demand for dogs which have the best possible chance of leading healthy, happy lives as pets.
Change and urgent reform is required. The BBC should pull the plug. Charities should put the long term health of dogs ahead of short term benefits of attending Crufts. It’s time for a change and the decision should be a simple one. For anyone still weighing up their position, try and remember the Cavaliers featured in Pedigree Dogs Exposed screaming in agony. Or the epileptic Boxers. Or the Bulldogs. Try to remember the Kennel Club still thinks 10% of all pedigree dogs being unhealthy is an ‘acceptable’ level.
Make a stand, don’t take a stand.
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Tags: Animal Charities, Animal Welfare
I could not agree more strongly. I think it’s imperative that animal organizations, especially the RSPCA and the Dogs Trust, withdraw from Kennel Club events. After broadcasting the documentary on the scandal, I believe that the BBC should cancel future coverage. If they can’t do that without the KC taking legal action for breach of contract, then they should cut right back on the number of hours broadcast and certainly not put it on TV during peak viewing hours.
It seems that the only way to get through to breeders is to hit them where it hurts – in their pockets. By keeping up publishing and drawing attention to the reality of pedigree dogs and their health problems, it will make prospective buyers think very carefully.
[...] K9 magazine reports that Battersea Dogs Home is also reconsidering its attendance at Crufts and other dog shows and that Barclays Bank will not sponsor the event again next year. [...]