Companion Animal Welfare Council
Report on breeding and welfare in companion animals
This major report recognised the clear welfare consequences of selection for specific traits in companion animals. It recognised that the welfare problems can be very serious because they can affect large numbers of animals throughout the whole of their lives and can do so generation after generation.
The report also highlighted the fact that this was a welfare problem which had been largely overlooked in the past.
It recommended that the following code, based on the wording of the Council of Europe Convention, 1987, be adopted by all those who breed companion animals:
‘The selection and breeding of companion animals can result in, or perpetuate, characteristics or inherited conditions that seriously affect the quality of animals’ lives. No one should breed companion animals without careful regard to characteristics (anatomical, physiological and behavioural) that may put at risk the health and welfare of the offspring or the female parent.’
