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Kennel Club updates Assured Breeder Scheme
Regular review and update of the Assured Breeder Scheme helps to encourage good breeding practices.
Scheme updated twice-yearly to maintain dog health and welfare.

A series of updates designed to further improve the health of dogs and responsible breeding has been announced by The Kennel Club.

The announement follows a review of the range of breed-specific health testing and screening requirements under the Assured Breeder Scheme (ABS) with breed clubs and councils. Agreed by the Kennel Club Dog Health Group, the updates aim to keep dog health and welfare at the forefront of the scheme.

Among the list of breed-specific updates include the removal of BAER testing (deafness) as a requirement for the English toy terrier and the recommendation for Dobermanns to be eye tested. The list of updates also includes the requirement for elbow grading for the Hungarian Vizsla and the recommendation of heart testing for the whippet.

The ABS is reviewed twice a year to ensure it remains relevant and of maximum health benefit to all dogs bred by Kennel Club Assured Breeders. While the updates come into immediate effect, existing Assured Breeders have a grace period of six months to allow them to take account of any existing breeding plans. 

Commenting on the changes, Bill Lambert, welfare and breeder services executive at the Kennel Club, said: “Regular review and update of the Assured Breeder Scheme recommendations and requirements ensure we maintain maximum progress for dog health improvements and encourage good breeding practices, which will in turn help to protect the future of the UK's pedigree dogs and ensure that puppy buyers can be easily signposted to breeders who do all they can to produce healthy pups. 

“The current high demand for puppies simply serves to reinforce the importance of puppy seekers doing their research before making a purchase. The ABS offers these people a way to source breeders who have agreed to follow a number of requirements including health testing.” 

A full list of updates to the Assured Breeder Scheme is available at bit.ly/37jOkC2

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.