In 2008 a BBC documentary called ‘Pedigree Dogs Exposed’ drew attention to the health problems in Kennel Club registered dogs, by showing dogs in pain due to exaggerated show features and inherited diseases due to inbreeding.
This led to two reviews of dog breeding; the first from a group of MPs ( APGAW ) and the second, chaired by Professor Bateson, that recommended some important changes which include:-
- An independent council would advise on ways to stop breeding for exaggerated show features, the spread of inherited health problems and inbreeding.
- All puppies should be seen with their mothers, and microchipped before they leave their breeder.
- An Accredited Breeders Scheme where parents of puppies must be health checked, and only used for breeding if they pass the tests.
- There should be a drive to educate pet owners what they should look for when buying a puppy.
- Improved rules would allow local authorities to enforce breeders’ duty of care to their dog.
