Dog Breeding Reform Group Members

Legal advisor and DBRG Governance, Treasurer

Katharine is a practicing solicitor and member of the Association of Lawyers for Animal Welfare (ALAW), with a particular interest in companion animals. Katharine had her first dog, an Airedale, 30 years ago, and has never been without a canine companion since. The support from the DBRG became a lifeline when she lost one of her beloved Dobermanns in 2018. Katharine realised the valuable work DBRG is doing to improve the standards of dog breeding and how important puppy welfare is in general. She is now keen to use her legal skills to help whenever and wherever she can.

BVMS PhD DipECVN FRCVS RCVS and European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology

Advisory Council on the Welfare Issues of Dog Breeding (DAC)
Veterinary Neurologist

Clare is Professor of Veterinary Neurology at the University of Surrey and a former member of the Advisory Council on the Welfare Issues of Dog Breeding (2000-2014). Clare is also a practising veterinary neurologist. She has authored or co-authored over 130 scientific articles (over 50 on canine Chiari-like malformation) in addition to several book chapters. She has also c0-edited a human medical text book on Syringomyelia.

BSc (Hons) MA (Law) PhD, MSc (CAB), MBPsS, APBC full member, ABTC Registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist, Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist (ASAB)

Animal Law and Behaviour Specialist, The Donkey Sanctuary

Fiona’s PhD focused on the role of local authorities in the implementation and enforcement of animal welfare legislation. In addition to her work in law and policy, her welfare science research focuses on assessing and improving animal welfare using innovative and practical tools. Fiona has worked within the animal charity sector for over 15 years, and currently leads the Research (Europe) and Ecology and Conservation teams at the Donkey Sanctuary, working globally to improve the welfare of donkeys and mules. She is also lecturer in Law at the Open University, and runs an animal behaviour company supporting owners and charities working with complex behavioural issues of dogs and cats.

BSc (Hons) PhD

Royal Veterinary College

Rowena graduated from the University of Bristol in 2009 with a first class degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare. She then completed her PhD in 2013 at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), investigating the relationship between extreme morphology and inherited disease in domestic dogs. Her PhD primarily focused on problems associated with the brachycephalic skull shape (respiratory and ophthalmic disease) and spinal disease in chondrodystrophic ‘long and low’ dog breeds. In 2013 she hosted ‘Building Better Brachycephalics’, an engagement event to disseminate this research. Since 2014 Rowena has work as a Clinical Investigations Postdoctoral Researcher at RVC, primarily focusing on canine epilepsy, working with Professor Holger Volk to investigate its treatment, behaviour comorbidities and effects on canine welfare. She is the current President of the RVC Researcher Association.

MVB BSc(hons) GPCert(SAP) GPCert(FelP) GPCert(Derm) GPCert(B&PS) PGCertVetEd FHEA MSc(VetEpi) PhD FRCVS

Royal Veterinary College, VetCompass

Dan graduated from Dublin Vet School in 1987 and worked in general practice until 2009. An MSc in Veterinary Epidemiology in 2010 was followed by a PhD in 2013 developing the VetCompass Programme to collect primary care practice data for epidemiological research. Supported by the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, Dan continues to expand VetCompass applications at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) to explore health and welfare issues in companion animals. He has published over 70 peer-reviewed papers and authored two books on companion animal health. He is now Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC. Dan chairs the UK Brachycephalic Working Group and is a founding member of DBRG.

​Dog Owner and founder of PawsAgainst

After her Bernese Mountain Dog was diagnosed with Elbow and Hip Dysplasia, Annie set up her Facebook page Paws Against Elbow Dysplasia to raise awareness of the disease. She subsequently learned that dogs suffered from many hereditary diseases, the prevalence of which could be reduced if dogs were health tested before being used for breeding. Annie also runs the #dontbreedblind campaign which aims to ensure that all male and female breeding dogs have had the relevant hereditary health tests, sound conformation, good temperament, and acceptable genetic diversity. Ideally Annie would like all dogs have a ‘fitness the breed’ certificate.

www.pawsagainst.co.uk

Cavalier Matters

Tania is a business woman and currently Managing Director of her drinks vending machine company, Platino Limited. She acquired her two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Molly and Dougall, in 2008. Tania set up her Cavalier Matters charity, website and online shop when she became aware of the genetic health problems of the Cavalier breed. Her website gives information and advice to owners of Cavaliers and Cavalier Matters Charity raises money for ‘research, rescue and reform.’ Cavalier Matters supports DBRG through funding technical support. Tania shares responsibility for DBRG social media.

MA Vet MB Cert VR MA PhD MRCVS

For over 30 years Alison has combined work as a small animal GP with many different voluntary roles in pedigree dog health. She has recently completed a PhD at Kings College London, funded by the Wellcome Trust: The History of Health and Disease in Pedigree Dog Breeding from 1890 to the Present.

Our newest member. More information to follow.

MA Vet MB BSc PhD DVA. DVOphthal DipECVO FRCVS

Former Chair of the Advisory Council on the Welfare Issues of Dog Breeding

Sheila is a fellow and Past-President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. After obtaining an honours degree in Zoology and Applied Zoology, she was awarded an Agricultural Research Council Veterinary Training Scholarship and qualified from the University of Cambridge. Following a period in veterinary practice she returned to Cambridge as a research scholar in veterinary ophthalmology, then moved to a lectureship at the University of Edinburgh where she completed her PhD. From there she moved to the University of Bristol as Professor of Comparative Ophthalmology. Sheila has won many honours and awards, has an international reputation as a veterinary ophthalmologist and wide ranging interests including the environment, ethics and animal welfare.

Secretary, Associate Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare (APGAW)
Secretary, Canine and Feline Sector Group (CFSG)

Liaison with the above groups

Marisa leads the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare comprising MPs, Lords, NGOs, Veterinary Bodies and Businesses which develops policy and outline legislation on animal health and welfare. She also runs the Canine and Feline Sector Group (CFSG): the stakeholder advisory body to DEFRA. Marisa wrote the ‘Healthier Future for Pedigree Dogs’ Report and the All-Party Dog Strategy. She also sits on the DEFRA Expert Panel for the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Regulations 2018) and was heavily involved in the drafting of the Guidance and Dog and Cat Welfare Codes. She co-ordinates the Local Government Animal Welfare Group www.localgovernmentanimalwelfare.org Marisa is an honorary members of the British Veterinary Association