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Brachycephalic Working Group unveils new strategy
Strategy considers how to change wider public attitudes to extreme conformations in brachycephalic dogs.
Five-year strategy identifies next steps.

The UK Brachycephalic Working Group (BWG) has committed to a five-year strategy to advance its work to improve the lives of flat-faced dogs.

Designed collaboratively by the group, the strategy identifies three core challenges:

  •  dramatically reducing the numbers and popularity of dogs with brachycephaly
  •  promoting a more moderate and healthier body shape for future dogs with brachycephaly
  •  reducing the negative impacts of brachycephaly on the current generation of dogs with brachycephaly.

In order to create the strategy and outline the direction of the BWG, the organisation conducted a review. A questionnaire was created and distributed to BWG members and external groups with an interest in the welfare of brachycephalic dogs such as veterinary bodies and dog breed clubs.

Respondents were asked how they felt about the BWG, and what needs to be done to increase impact, and the results of this formed the basis of the updated plan.

Dr Dan O'Neill, BWG chair, said: “BWG understands that the serious health problems associated with the flat-faced body shape can cause many dogs to suffer and considers that the health and welfare problems linked to breeding for a flat face are one of the UK’s leading canine welfare priorities.

“This new strategy lays out a plan to redress many of these issues and we call on everybody to ‘Stop and think before buying a flat-faced dog’.”

The five-year strategy outlines the actions required by the group as a whole, and by individual members, and displays the actions and aspirations involved in these.

Actions the BWG has committed to include working to prevent the inappropriate use of imagery of brachycephalic dogs in advertising and developing and promoting a Brachycephalic Health Assessment veterinary consultation framework.

The full strategy document can be accessed here.

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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.