Welfare Reports

Introduction

The publication of the Companion Animal Welfare Council’s (CAWC) Report ‘Breeding and Welfare in Companion Animals’ in 2006 brought to light the harmful consequences of breeding dogs in closed gene pools in pursuit of arbitrary standards of appearance. This was done in order to satisfy human aesthetic preferences rather than improving the health and welfare of dogs.

Huge public concern was created when the BBC documentary film, ‘Pedigree Dogs Exposed’ was aired in 2008. The film revealed graphically the poor state of health of many of our popular dog breeds. Not only did it depict the suffering of the dogs but the emotional and financial cost to owners too, many of whom had obtained their dogs in good faith from a ‘reputable breeder.’

Many Reports concerning dog health and welfare have been published since 2008 and these are available below.

Mahatma Gandhi famously said, ‘The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.’ The UK is regarded as a ‘nation of animal lovers’ but in some ways this is very far from the truth.

Dogs are sentient beings. They can feel fear, discomfort, pain and loneliness. Dogs are entirely dependent on humans for their health, happiness and quality of life. We know how much joy, fun and companionship a dog can give to its human family. This knowledge should be enough to ensure that society protects its canine population.