Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 2nd October 2018
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

New-look resource for puppy buyers
The Puppy Contract provides advice on whether a puppy is a right choice for the individual or family.
The Puppy Contact explains the dos and don’ts of buying a puppy

As stronger animal welfare legislation comes into force, the BVA and the Animal Welfare Foundation have launched a new-look resource to encourage prospective puppy owners to buy from responsible dealers.

The Puppy Contract provides a step-by-step guide to the dos and don’ts of buying a puppy and is designed to help anyone buying or breeding puppies to do so responsibly. Supported by leading animal welfare charities, it consists of an information section about the puppy and its parents (to be filled in by the breeder) and a legally binding contract for sale between the buyer and the breeder.

The Puppy Contract also offers advice on whether a puppy is a right choice for the individual or family, the costs of owning one, where to get a puppy and the right questions to asks. Other sections include tips on how to spot a puppy dealer and an overview of puppy breeding laws in the UK.

Animal Welfare Foundation chairperson Chris Lawrence said: “Bringing a puppy into your life is a huge commitment and choosing where to buy your puppy from is a decision that will stay with you for the dog’s lifetime.

"The Puppy Contract is a unique resource, designed to help guide you through the process of finding a puppy which has been bred with the best chance of living a healthy and happy life. We urge anyone looking for a new dog to take their time and do plenty of research and always use The Puppy Contract.”

British Veterinary Association president and AWF Trustee Simon Doherty added: “Animal welfare is always the top priority for vets, and we believe that starts right at the beginning of a pet’s life.

“We’d encourage anyone thinking of getting a new puppy to speak to their local veterinary practice for advice on the right dog for them and use The Puppy Contract to ensure they are buying a healthy, happy and well-socialised puppy. If a seller is not willing to provide the information listed in The Puppy Contract, then you should walk away and report concerns to local authorities otherwise you risk perpetuating irresponsible dog breeding.”

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.