Poor breeding practices affect the physical and emotional health of your pet dogs

Our Aims

To promote and support initiatives and reforms that will effectively improve dog welfare related to: a) genetic and breed health; b) breeding, rearing and selling practices.

(Whilst acknowledging the numerous dog welfare issues in the UK, DBRG will retain a focus on breed and breeding issues (from which many other welfare issues ensue).

Campaign to ensure the breeding of sound, healthy dogs.

Together we can improve the welfare standards of dog breeding in the UK.

Our Objectives

  • Widespread use of the RSPCA /BVA AWF  Puppy Contract and PIP
  • Widespread use of the Dog Advisory Council's Standard for Breeding
  • A requirement for the registration of all dog breeders with their local authorities
  • Reduction of the perceived default local authority licensing requirement for dog breeders to three litters or more in any 12 month period
  • Repeal of the Breeding of Dogs Acts 1973, 1991, 1999 and replacement with new regulations under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, that ensure high standards of welfare for dogs; that protect the genetic health of offspring; and that effectively regulate the sale of puppies 1
  • Enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 as a statutory duty
  • All advertisements for the sale of dogs/puppies to include a breeder’s registration number provided by the relevant local authority
  • A ban on the sale of puppies by anyone other than the breeder 2
  • Measures by the Kennel Club to improve dog health 3
  • Inclusion of animal welfare as a core part of the national curriculum, in particular with regard to the purchase, lifelong care and welfare of dogs
  • Establishment of a Government-funded body to provide independent advice on companion animal welfare 4
Footnotes
1   As proposed in the Dog Advisory Council's Advice to Governments, 'Recommendations on regulations and legislation'
2  Or by re-homing organisations affiliated to the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes
3  Measures would include: banning the mating of second-degree relatives (ie grandson to granddaughter); maintenance of effective population  sizes  (EPS) to above 100; out-crossing breeding strategies where the burden of genetic diseases cannot easily be remedied within the existing gene pool; limiting the number of time a 'popular sire' is used; requiring genetic/clinical health testing/screening/use of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs); eliminating exaggerated physical traits  which impede a dog's ability to enjoy a normal active life.
4  For example, by setting up a Companion Animal Welfare Committee, comprising independent experts selected according to Nolan principles
Dogs are for life. Think carefully. Choose wisely. Love deeply.
Canadian Federation of Humane Societies