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Steps taken to address GSD concerns
gsd
Dogs must be exhibited free-standing in the ring, with no stacking, and judges must not tolerate double-handling.
The move follows controversy over 'best of breed' at Crufts 2016
 
The Kennel Club is taking steps to address growing concerns about German shepherd dogs (GSDs), after controversy over Crufts 2016 brought the issue to a head.

The show faced criticism when a judge awarded 'best of breed' to a GSD with a sloped back that appeared to be struggling to walk.

As a result, a number of new measures came into force on 1 August, including an update to the breed standard, new requirements for judges and a review of the Category Three Breed veterinary check guidelines for the breed.

Kennel Club secretary Caroline Kisko said the organisation was left with "no option" but to take action. Despite working with the breed clubs for 'a significant number of years', various initiatives designed to improve matters have had 'very little effect', the Kennel Club said in a statement.

A review group was set up to consider issues such as the culture of double-handling, which the Kennel Club says is widely practised and condoned at GSD club shows. It is felt this is having a negative impact on the temperament of the dogs, which often appear greatly stressed while they are being exhibited and at other times. Erratic movement and exaggerated conformation were also examined.

Initially, de-registration of the breed was considered, but there were concerns that this could drive breeders outside of the Kennel Club's influence, leading to further declines in the breed.

Instead, all championship show judging contracts for 2018 and beyond have been suspended with immediate effect, until judges attend a Kennel Club education seminar. All judges will be expected to adhere to the points made in the seminar, which will include the need for dogs to be exhibited 'in as natural a manner as possible' on a loose lead only. Also, dogs must be exhibited free-standing in the ring, with no stacking, and judges must not tolerate double-handling.

The GSD breed standard has also been updated to emphasise that dogs must be able to stand calmly, comfortably and freely, whilst being unsupported in any way.

The Kennel Club will be appointing representatives who will attend all championship shows where challenge certificates are on offer for the breed. Their role will be to work with show societies and judges to put a stop to double-handling, putting an escalation procedure into place if necessary. Shows and judges who allow double-handling or ignore the breed standard could risk rejection of their future status.

Commenting on the changes, Ms Kisko said: "This situation simply cannot continue as not only is the health and welfare of the breed at risk but this is having a detrimental effect on the reputation of all breeders, pedigree dogs, dog showing and the Kennel Club."

 

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.