Fit for Breeding - a sensible long term solution with an immediate impact!

The Forgotten - by Monique Shaw

With thousands of abandoned dogs being destroyed in Britain each year, many are fighting for an end to the stray dog plight. One Kentish couple have rewritten the law, now they just need the PM to read it . . . more

Chancepixies Animal Rescue are working towards a day when abandoned and unwanted dogs will be a thing of the past.

These aims are hoped to be reached through having fit for breeding tests in place which will include health, identification, conformation and character (fit for use).
We do not have any form of fit for breeding tests in the UK and this is resulting in too many dogs being bred, with large numbers being put in rescue and being destroyed every year. With identification, conformation, health and character and breeds themselves being at risk through irresponsible breeders and owners.
Our aim is to work together with owners, other organisations, breeders, rescues and the general public to ultimately reduce the amount of dogs in rescue by promoting responsible breeding and ownership, and developing ‘fit for breeding tests'.

Having such measures in place would also make it un-viable for puppy farmers to make money !

There are about 1,000 dogs a week being needlessly destoyed in this country, to us this means that there are about 1,000 dogs too many being bred.

Through legislation such as the dangerous dogs act, we have seen how authorities can effectively ban breeds, and some breeds, as we have all seen, can in the wrong hands find themses in trouble.
Local Councils now have the power to enforce laws how they see fit, and this could lead to dogs being controlled by the Government and local Councils.
We believe that the welfare of dogs should be in the hands of those who truly care and have the animals best interests at heart.

To help us save these dogs from being abandoned and abused, please support our cause by becoming a member of Chancepixies Animal Rescue.

 

 

Health - Most breeds, and therefore most cross-breeds, can be subject to health issues particular to their breed(s). These should be recognised, tested for and taken into consideration before dogs are bred from as many of these probelms are passed on from generation to generation and can be exacerbated by ignorant or irresponsible breeding.

 

Identification - There are provisions in place today that would greatly benefit the identification of dogs. If all dogs were permanently and undisputably identified through DNA profile matched to micro-chip/tattoo, every dog could be traced to its owner/breeder and its parentage would be known. In todays system, it is still possible to falsify pedigrees and parentage, as was highlighted when a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Kennel Club Registration was made available for sale on Ebay!

 

Conformation - The dog should resemble close to what the breed standard states. Each dog was bred for a purpose and how is is put together will relfect that purpose, to ignore this will adversly affect the dog and how it can move, breath, live etc. Also to not follow a 'blue-print' can lead to individual breeders desiring a certain feature and breeding for this to the detriment of the dog, it's welfare and the breed.

 

Character - Each breed has a specific purpose, some were lap-dogs, some hunters and others were bred to herd or protect. These characteristics are an inherent part of each breed and remain part of their make-up and be taken into consderation before purchasing or breeding, to not do so can result in confusion, misunderstanding and misconception of a breed. Breeders and potential owners should research a breed, including what their original purpose was and whether it will fit into their lifestyle and breeders should remain true to their chosen breed in all aspects.