BVA welcomes Defra consultation on dog breeding
Responding to the announcement of a Defra consultation on dog breeding license controls on 20 December 2015, British Veterinary Association President Sean Wensley said:
"We welcome the consultation to strengthen the regulations around dog breeding and pet sales. It represents a valuable opportunity to improve licensing regulations and ensure all breeding establishments are producing only healthy, well-socialised puppies. Vets see first hand the tragic consequences that can result from irresponsible breeding, as owners are faced with serious and avoidable health and behavioural problems in their new pets. We strongly recommend that anyone considering buying a puppy only buys directly from the breeder (ideally a member of the Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme) or considers giving a home to a rescue dog from a recognised rehoming charity. Additionally, downloading the AWF/RSPCA puppy contract, using it to ask the right questions and insisting on visiting the puppy alongside its mother will help owners ensure they come home with a happy and healthy pet."
