This week, around a fifth of MSs in Wales joined The Kennel Club and James Evans MS at an event held in the Oriel at the Welsh Senedd, to find out more about the dog welfare organisations’ health testing initiatives, as well as the wider work being done to help improve overall dog health.
The Kennel Club offers over 100 DNA tests and health screening schemes, including The Kennel Club/University of Cambridge Respiratory Function Grading scheme, which enables vets to assess Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs, for breathing issues, detect disease and provide advice for owners. Last year, the organisation also launched the report, ‘Play Your Part: Breeding, Buying and Bringing Up Brachycephalic Dogs Better’, which details the collaborative measures that need to be taken by the puppy buying public, breeders, vets, Government and The Kennel Club to protect and improve the health of current and future generations of brachycephalic breeds.
The report, and more information about what The Kennel Club is doing to improve brachycephalic health, is available on our website.
The Kennel Club also supports responsible breeding and puppy buying, and is calling on the Welsh Government to support low-volume, responsible home breeders and invest in more education around buying a dog and responsible ownership. Recent data released by the organisation revealed that a third (32%) of owners in Wales spent less than a day researching their puppy buying decision – with thousands then being duped by rogue breeders.
Holly Conway, Head of Public Affairs at The Kennel Club said: “We are delighted to have welcomed, and engaged with, so many Members of the Senedd around the importance of responsible breeding and our health schemes.
“Puppy buyers should always look for a breeder that prioritises health – including low-volume home breeders - so we were pleased to discuss with the Welsh Government how we can better support these breeders and ensure they are not unintentionally impacted by dog breeding Regulations.”
More information on what The Kennel Club does for dog health and responsible breeding is available here.