If in the wake of the BBC documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed, you would like to express your desire to see change at the British Kennel Clubs, there are a number of petitions you could sign.
Vet Joe Inglis has set up a petition here www.petitionthem.com/default.asp?sect=detail&pet=4262 the aim of which is that “The Kennel Club will ban extreme inbreeding such as brother to sister matings, and enforce strict codes of conduct for all breeds, to ensure animal welfare is the number one priority.”
Another petition seeks to “Make the Kennel Club change their breed standards” and you can sign it here www.thepetitionsite.com/2/make-the-kennel-club-change-their-breed-standa...
At The Pet Owners Parliament www.petparliament.com/ can vote for a motion to lobby the government for the UK to sign and ratify The European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals. You do have to go through a simple joining process to vote on this site.
I have signed all three petitions and would like to see great improvement in the breeding of pedigree dogs in the UK. I have been reading a lot of websites on this subject, and have been horrified by some of the breeders’ attitudes. It looks as if it is going to take a lot of persuasion to make some people see that the mating of very closely related animals is extremely bad practice, and to realise that the appearance of a dog is not the most important thing about it.
I would like to emphasise that I have met many pedigree dog breeders who are absolutely scrupulous, and strive to improve their breed. This should not be a witch hunt, but we have to bring all breeders up to the level of the best.
Among the more worrying comments I have seen are postings to the effect that although the documentary had a big impact on dog circles, for example those who breed and show, it will not have much effect elsewhere. In other words, it’s a nine day wonder that will fizzle out and things can go back to how they were.
If you don’t want that to happen, follow the links above and make your voice heard.
Make a difference,
Julie x