Margaret,
Thanks for posting that. As Frecklesmom says, I am sure it's unpleasant to have to keep on going over this, but I didn't like the tone of the lady's comments. Still have no idea who she is, thought that doesn't really matter.
I don't understand why these people keep attacking you instead of addressing the very real health problems within the breed, it is so infuriating and frustrating. I am hanging on to the thought that due to people like yourself, Carol, Jemima and Beverly Cuddy the pressure is really on them.
The CKCS club could do with a good PR person I think. They are fast losing all credibility, having shown that they are more concerned with a small (I hope) group of breeders who are more concerned with themselves rather than the health of their dogs.
About time they realised that they are a relatively small group of breeders, and their view does not represent the vast majority of dog owners - I don't doubt this, having read every blog, comment and editorial I can find. Not to mention the support of all the eminent doggie geneticist, RSPCA, Dogs Trust etc.
Incidentally I wrote to the Dogs Trust (who I pay a monthly donation to) in regard to the 'message of support' mentioned on the Kennel Club website. This was their reply:
Your comments have been noted and we appreciate your concerns.
We here at Dogs Trust believe that the way forward is to work with such organisations as The Kennel Club in order to promote best practices and encourage productive and succinct change. By working with organisations such as The Kennel Club and DEFRA we hope to be able to reduce the suffering of some pedigree dogs. I Have attached our press statement, which we sent to The Kennel Club just before the BBC expose was aired but they decided not to include it on their website.
The main points we wish to address are as follows:
- Existing legislation needs to be changed to prevent inappropriate breeding practices such as those highlighted in the programme.
- There needs to be genetic screening of all breeding stock and the assured integrity of such a process
- Breed standards need to be reviewed and where necessary revised to ensure they are firmly focused on the health and well being of the dog, not the aesthetics of the breed. Breeders and show judges must adhere to these revised breed standards
- When people buy a dog, they need to think about where they are buying it from. Although we always urge people to first consider a rescue dog, if they do want a pedigree, people should buy from a Kennel Club accredited breeder. They must find out the dog’s genetic heritage and get a screen test before buying.
Hope this clarifies matters.
So the Kennel Club claim they are being misrepresented, but they don't mind doing a bit of misrepresentation themselves!
You have all of our support and best wishes, Margaret.