Above: An example of decades of inbreeding.The original bull terrier, on the left, with normal-shaped head is markedly different from today’s dog on the right.

Pedigree dog breeders in Australia have a tremendous opportunity to lead by example and fundamentally change the way dogs are bred in this country.

The RSPCA is calling on breeders to put the focus back on health, welfare and functionality rather than breeding for appearance and adherence to strict breed standards.

The RSPCA’s Chief Scientist, Dr Bidda Jones, said the documentary, Pedigree Dogs Exposed, highlighted some serious problems in the pedigree dog breeding world, problems we’re not immune to in Australia.

“In the UK, all of the top 50 registered breeds have at least one inherited disorder; 35 of those breeds are in Australia’s top 50. Australian breed standards reflect international breed standards so we are certainly dealing with similar issues here.

“Many breed standards have a strong emphasis on physical appearance. Unfortunately, there is a preference for some of the more exaggerated and extreme physical traits such as flat and short faces, excessive skin folds, large bulging eyes, very long backs, very short legs and massive heads.

“As a result we are breeding dogs that have difficulty breathing, difficulty walking, dogs that can’t give birth naturally and dogs with chronic ear, back, eye, skin and joint problems.

“Despite all the evidence against inbreeding, the Australian National Kennel Council is still operating a closed studbook system and registering first and second degree matings (mothers with sons, grandfathers with granddaughters), increasing the chances of inherited disorders and making the puppies less resistant to infectious and genetic diseases.

“There are responsible breeders in Australia who are working hard to overcome these problems, but what is needed is a major shift in attitudes to make breeding a healthy, functional pet more important than adherence to an arbitrary set of physical attributes.”

The RSPCA says everyone has a role to play, including people who buy pedigree dogs. Without asking the right questions, they may inadvertently be contributing to this problem. Check out the RSPCA’s Smart Puppy Buyer’s Guide for tips on how to find a responsible breeder who puts welfare first

 www.rspca.org.au

Do you want to make a difference and stop these cruel breeding methods?

You can write to your local branch of the Australian National Kennel Council.

Don’t know what to write? Here’s what the RSPCA wants to see changed. We encourage you to request these amendments in your letters.

The RSPCA believes that there needs to be fundamental shift in the way purebred dogs are selected and bred in Australia. The RSPCA would like to see health, functionality and welfare come before aesthetics. This will involve acknowledging the health and welfare problems in each breed and reviewing and revising breeding standards. The RSPCA would like the ANKC to prohibit the registration of 1st and 2nd degree matings, open studbooks, and outcross then backcross where necessary to increase the genetic diversity within certain breeds.

Click here to go straight to the Australian National Kennel Council’s site

On this site you will find the contact details of each state based organisation. Your state branch is the best way to contact the ANKC.

Here is the the South Australian Branch of the ANKC;

DOGS SA

Box 844

Prospect East SA

5082.

You may also want to write to the State Government.

The State government can encourage responsible breeding. Here’s what the RSPCA would like to see state governments  introduce. We encourage you to request these changes in your letters.

The RSPCA would like to see the government introduce compulsory registration and a licensing system for all breeders that includes all aspects of breeding.

Currently in Victoria there is a Code of Practice that safeguards against inbreeding. The RSPCA would like this to be introduced in all states.

Here is the address for the Minister who can make such changes;

Hon. Jay Weatherill, MP (as Environment Minister)

GPO Box 1047
Adelaide SA 5001

Office Number:  (08) 8 8463 5680

Fax Number: (08) 8463 5681

Email:

Prospective buyers also need to be able to recognise responsible breeding and to be aware of any potential problems in breeds before they purchase an animal. Buying an animal from a breeder without  asking the right questions will only contribute to this problem. We need to support responsible breeders who are breeding ethically and ensure prospective buyers are well informed.

Now it’s up to you to make her vision come true. Louisa has entered a very clever, very stunning photo in a nation wide competition run by Canon called ‘Creative for a Cause’. If she receives the most amount of votes RSPCA SA receives SIXTY THOUSAND dollars. The ways in which this amount of money could help us here at the Society are countless. There is NO doubt it would mean we could do a lot of good and of course directly improve the lives of thousands of animals.

SO - here’s what you have to do… simply PRESS HERE to go straight to the CANON WEBSITE and VOTE !!

How do you VOTE? Simply INSERT ‘Louisa’ into the ‘SEARCH’ box AND TICK ‘Welfare’. From there you should find a black and white image of a gorgeous dog that Louisa photographed through what looks like a hole in her wall or door?? I am not sure, all I know is it looks fantastic and it could mean a huge ‘donation’ for the RSPCA!

** A little tip - You are (unfortunately) ONLY allowed to vote ONCE. HOWEVER if you have more than one email account; ie a ‘hotmail’ and a work email or a ‘yahoo’ and a ‘hotmail’…you can vote twice, three times (etc.) with those accounts. So if you can, why not double or triple your votes, and our chances!

Please also tell all your friends to vote! This is a fantastic opportunity to help needy animals with the click of a button!

As always, thanks so much for your support.

It might seem like you have a while before you have to start thinking about Cupcake Day, but as scary as it is August 17 will be upon us before we know it! So get organised and start thinking about how your going to create the best cupcake!

The idea is; bake up a storm, sell them to friends, family and workmates and help the RSPCA furry friends. It’s on a Monday so you have the weekend to stir, mix and ice up yourself into a frenzy!

You can also order from the RSPCA, so spread the word - we want the whole of Adelaide to be feasting on cupcakes and helping the thousands of animals the RSPCA cares for every year; a charitable sugar fix, brilliant!

Want more information? www.cupcakeday.com.au