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Assured puppy breeder scheme launched in Scotland
Prospective owners should do their research to ensure they are buying a healthy, happy puppy
Health test discount incentive for participants

Health testing and screening – for example, the BVA/Kennel Club Canine Health Schemes (CHS) – allow breeders to screen for inherited diseases, and the results can then be used to help ensure that only healthy dogs are used for breeding.

The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) has launched its Assured Puppy Breeder Scheme and breeders in Scotland who engage with the scheme can benefit from a discount on pre-breeding health checks from the Canine Health Schemes (CHS). To support breeders who sign up to the scheme, the CHS will be offering a 15 per cent discount on hip and elbow submissions when they are made through its portal.
 
All dogs – whether pedigree or crossbred – can suffer from inherited diseases that are passed on from parent to puppy. The new scheme requires breeders to undertake appropriate pre-breeding health checks to screen for a range of these inherited diseases.

Dr Jerry Davies, who oversees the Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Schemes, said: “Vets frequently see puppies bred in poor conditions or bought without a proper understanding of their welfare needs, leading to health or behavioural issues, so it is important to always consider how the puppies have been bred, reared and cared for in their first few weeks.

“We encourage all prospective puppy owners in Scotland to do their research before making a purchase to ensure that they are buying a healthy and happy puppy. We welcome the emphasis the SSPCA scheme places on pre-breeding health checks and are pleased the CHS can support responsible breeders by offering this incentive.”

Scottish SPCA Inspectors will be looking for evidence of screening tests that have been carried out as part of the inspection process.

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.