197.05
Canine Welfare Organisations Act To Address over-breeding
Problems With The Staffordshire Bull Terrier‘A Victim Of His Own Success’
In early October, the Kennel Club hosted a meeting at its headquarters to discuss the plight of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, who has become the ‘victim of his own success’ and is being over bred in the UK, with supply far outstripping demand. Breed Rescue and animal welfare charities are inundated with unwanted dogs, bearing testament to this fact.
In attendance at the meeting were John and Gwen Laker, Barbara Green, Norma Vann and Sam Savage from Staffordshire Bull Terrier Welfare, Phil Buckley and Rosemary Smart from the Kennel Club, Clarissa Baldwin from Dogs Trust and Duncan Green and Ali Taylor from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
Thorough discussion took place at this meeting and various actions were agreed in an attempt to address this important welfare issue. A generic statement regarding the breed has been produced and is listed at the base of this announcement. One of the essential elements is the education of prospective owners with regard to the breed’s characteristics as clearly the Stafford is being both over bred and sometimes obtained by the wrong type of owner, for sometimes all the wrong reasons.
The campaign will be officially launched at Discover Dogs in London on the 12th and 13th November. Discover Dogs provides the ideal platform for the issue as the event promotes choice, care and training of individual breeds. Other initiatives - including a public awareness campaign via the canine media and ‘free ads’ publications - will be implemented shortly, with announcements to be made in due course.
Said Rosemary Smart, Chief Executive of the Kennel Club, “One of the most popular of all the terriers, the Stafford like all pedigree breeds has unique characteristics and ownership should be very carefully considered prior to purchase. Also, breeders should think responsibly prior to embarking on breeding programmes as clearly, over breeding is taking place and permanent, loving homes are not being found in every instance.”
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Staffords/2…John Laker, Chairman of Staffordshire Bull Terrier Welfare concluded, “Sadly, being involved with the sharp end of rescue, we find ourselves having to pick up the pieces and Stafford Rescue nationwide is inundated with unwanted dogs, who come to us through no fault of their own. We are delighted that the Kennel Club, Dogs Trust and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home are working with us to try to resolve this important issue, as it really is reaching crisis point.”
The generic statement, that will be taken forward and used throughout the forthcoming campaign is listed below and please look out for further announcements in due course.
‘One of the most popular of all the terriers, unfortunately the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has become the ‘victim of his own success’ and is being over bred in the UK, with supply far outstripping demand. Breed Rescue and animal welfare charities are inundated with unwanted dogs, bearing testament to this fact. As with all pets, careful consideration should be given regarding ownership, if a novice. Prospective owners should read a comprehensive book on the breed, prior to purchase, and check that the dog’s parents have been tested for hereditary problems. A true Stafford’s genuine love of children is well known and he is often referred to as ‘the nanny dog’. With the human race he is kindness itself but sometimes the breed can be intolerant of other animals. He is relatively maintenance free but does require a fair amount of exercise and craves human attention and therefore does not fair well with long periods of isolation. Susceptible to theft, all owners should register their Stafford and ensure that they purchase an authentic Stafford. Ideally ask an experienced person to accompany you, to ensure that you are viewing full-bred Kennel Club registered puppies with supporting documentation. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous breeders may attempt to sell you a cross bred as a pedigree dog. If you want a genuine Stafford then only purchase a Kennel Club registered puppy or dog from a responsible breeder, whose details can be obtained from the Kennel Club or any breed club registered with the KC. Dogs should stand at 14-16 inches and weigh 24 – 38 pounds and cost in the region of £400 - £600. Alternatively, prospective owners may wish to consider obtaining a dog from Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue. It is recommended that potential owners contact the various nationwide Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed Clubs and welfare organisations for further information on the breed’s management prior to the purchase of this breed and these details are available from the Kennel Club, telephone 0870 6066750.’
ENDS
8 November 2005
For further information contact:
Press Office
020 7518 1008 / 1020
pressoffice@the-kennel-club.org.uk