PRO REPORT SATURDAY 12TH JULY 2008

THE STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER BREED COUNCIL OF
GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND

PRO’S REPORT ON THE MEETING HELD AT THE SHOULDER OF MUTTON
MIDDLETON TYAS, NR RICHMOND, NORTH YORKSHIRE

The Chairman opened the meeting at 11.05 There were 12 clubs present, Down lands, East Anglia, East Midlands, Morecambe Bay and Cumbria, North East, Northern Counties, North West, North of Scotland, Nott’s & Derby, Potteries, Scottish and Southern Counties.

During the free discussion period concern was expressed over a poster which had been issued by the S & E Yorkshire Royal Mail – ‘Dog Alert Week’. The poster was highlighting the increased number of dog attacks during 2008 on its Postmen and Women... The poster clearly showed the picture of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Further discussion took place and it was agreed that the Royal Mail and its Worker Union be contacted by the PRO expressing the Councils concerns over the poster and a further report would be given at the next meeting in November.

A number of delegate together with the delegate from Welfare expressed their concerned over the number of Stafford’s without papers that were being handed into the Rescue Centres, together with an increase in the cross breeds. Many rescue centres are now only accepting registered Stafford’s, and turning the unregistered and cross breeds away. The East Midland and East Anglian delegates did report that those Staffords that are rehomed are won over by their new owners by the affection and the loyalty the breed gives.

Discussion took place about micro chipping all puppies before they are sold in order that they can be traced back to their owners/breeders. All the organization must take an active part in the problem, with further involvement from the RSPCA and Dogs Trust.

Education is a necessity to promote the breed in a positive way, attaching fun days to the Breed Club shows giving owners the opportunity to go along and learn more about the breed. Educate owners with regard to micro chipping their pet, and getting them health tested.

The delegate from Nott’s & Derby reported that he had recently been invited on the local news to highlight the positive side of the breed. He also reported that recently Bill Lambert from the Accredited Breeder Scheme had attended a recent committee meeting and over the last few years the scheme had improved. More people need to join in order that prospective owners can see that those on the scheme have had their dogs/bitches health screened and that they are following the Kennel Club directives within the scheme.

Northern Counties delegates raised their concerns over the increased puppy farming and trafficking coming in from Ireland. They feel the rules are not strong enough and many cross-breeds are being labelled as Stafford’s when indeed they are clearly not, and falling into the wrong hands. Further discussion took place and it was agreed that the PRO contact the Irish Kennel Club to see what implementations were in place and report back at the next meeting in November.

The final matter for discussion was the SCAMPS (Southern Counties Agency for the Management & Placement of Strays) proposal for Spay and Neuter of Bull Breeds and Crosses.
Some of the delegate had not received the information so it was discussed further by all those in attendance. Its main aim is to spay and neuter and microchip all strays, to be supported by National and Regional Welfare Organisations, have the support of the Local Authority. Using Animal Welfare and Breeding legislation to apply pressure on unscrupulous/illegal breeders to make breeding unprofitable. To highlight the softer side of the bull breeds to reduce the macho label and hopefully widen the number of people who wish to adopt a rescue animal. It aims also to get local vets involved who will reduce costs for spay and neuter and offer free or reduce costs on micro chipping. To publish the scheme at all canine events in order to educate the public on the positive sides of the bull breeds.

It was agreed that the PRO contact the organisation to obtain further information and report back at the next meeting.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 2.10pm

The date of the next meeting is 1st November 2008 at Markfield.

The date of the corresponding meeting is 11th July 2009 at Middleton Tyas

 

Helen Reaney
Public Relations Officer

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