Dog show vet checks to continue
The Kennel Club has announced that veterinary checks at dog shows will continue following a "lengthy discussion" at the club's AGM on 16th May.
Members of the Kennel Club voted for the continuation of the checks, following a proposed motion to suspend them. The principle of veterinary checks was always supported, but views differed about how the process should be implemented.
After a long discussion, 92 members voted for the continuation of the current checks and 56 against.
Steve Dean, chairman of the Kennel Club, said: "There were strong feelings expressed both for and against the vet checks but members have resolved to support the continuation of the checks, which sends out a strong message about our commitment to ensuring that winning show dogs are healthy examples of their breed."
He went on to say that the comments raised at the AGM would be taken to the Kennel Club's General Committee and a wider consultation would be instigated to decide how the veterinary checks should evolve.
The Kennel Club introduced veterinary checks for 15 high-profile breeds this year to ensure that dogs winning Best in Breed prizes at Group and General Championship shows are not affected by conformational problems that have a detrimental impact on their health.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
