Pedigree dog health and welfare

On this page you can find out more about the BVA view on pedigree animal health and welfare

Background

For the past 40 years the BVA has been working to improve the health and welfare of pedigree dogs through the Canine Health Schemes that are run jointly with The Kennel Club. Currently the schemes examine hips, elbows and eyes for signs of hereditary defects.

BVA's position

Following discussion at our Ethics and Welfare Group we call for an independent review of the breeding of all dogs as well as the permanent identification of all registered pedigree dogs.

What the BVA has done

Active promotion of forms and advice for reporting any caesarean operation and/or any operative procedure carried out by a vet on a Kennel Club registered dog which alters its natural conformation
The BVA AWF is working with RSPCA to develop a “puppy contract” to enable the public to make informed choices when buying a puppy
we have submitted evidence to the APGAW and Bateson reviews into the breeding of pedigree dogs and to the Advisory Council on the Welfare Issues of Dog Breeding
the BVA Ethics and Welfare Group considers the issues surrounding the subject
we have briefed the media on our position
bringing together a number of animal welfare organisations to form the Dog Breeding Stakeholder Group, the BVA Animal Welfare Foundation has produced guidance on choosing your new dog

Activities of other organisations

the Bateson report was published in January 2010. The review was initiated and funded by the Kennel Club and Dogs Trust.
FVE is working with other veterinary bodies in Europe to investigate the extent of illegal trafficking of animals.
APGAW published a report on the breeding of pedigree dogs
the RSPCA published an independent literature review of the known science
the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) has set up a website to provide advice about breed-related welfare problems to prospective pet owners