BVA applauds Crufts veterinary checks
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has praised the use of veterinary checks at this year's Crufts, which took place at the NEC in Birmingham 8-11 March. Six of the fifteen high profile BOBs failed their veterinary checks and were not represented in the group judging – bulldog (utility group), Pekingese (toy), Clumber spaniel (gundog) mastiff (working), Neapolitan mastiff (working) and Bassett hound (hound). The BVA has also confirmed that the initiative will continue at all championship dog shows.
Commenting, Past President of the BVA Harvey Locke said “This initiative by the Kennel Club is to be applauded. It is a huge step forward in tackling the health problems in pedigree dogs as a result of their exaggerated conformation. The KC deserves the support of the veterinary profession and dog welfare organisations at this time. We also pay tribute to the two BVA members who were chosen to carry out the veterinary checks after responding to our open letter in Veterinary Record asking for volunteers. They have performed their duties in a highly professional manner and have certainly set an example to the show vets who will be carrying out these checks at future championship shows."
“What has happened at Crufts this year should act as a catalyst for all vets in practice. Firstly, to be more proactive in educating their breeder and owner clients on the health consequences of breeding dogs for extreme conformation. And secondly, to ensure that any caesarean sections and surgical procedures to correct conformation problems performed on KC-registered dogs are reported to the KC.”
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
