Hi,
I have read these boards as a guest for several weeks, but with the "pedigree dogs" program the other night I have been reading much more often.
The first thing I will admit is that I am no expert on any of this, but I do want to find a way to try to help the average cavalier pet buyer.
I was wondering if it is a possibility to start a website ( I can do this) where we can attempt to contact every cav owner with an official SM diagnosis. (this can also be introduced for MVD and other hereditary ilnesses)
For every dog we can "register" with an official diagnosis (MRI scan results and vet report has to be shown) we could then get a list of A) breeder names and B) infected dogs parents names (kc reg dogs only of course.)
This list could then be a helpful start when looking for a new puppy.
I can see that a LOT of breeders are going to hate me for this suggestion, but we can also add a section for each breeder stating that we have spoken to them and that they have scanned their dogs now and are no longer breeding from infected dogs, are planning on scanning before breeding again or they couldnt care less. (various other breeder comments can go here)
My only issue is trying to work out libel laws. If "fact" is the defence behind libel then seeing the scans and pedigree papers of each dog added would surely safe guard me from any legal issues. (yes I may just be totally naive)
Ideas on improvements, logistics info, anything else you would like to see would be much appreciated. If this idea is to work it will take a lot of honesty from people. It would be nice if this didnt alienate the breeders, as all moral, ethical people must see that breeding from infected dogs cannot continue.
If naming and shaming is the only way forward I for one am up for it. The good breeders ( I do know there are some) will surely be happy to help as it will boost their reputations rather than adversely affecting them. I dont have connections with any of the breeders, show people, cav clubs etc and if the ones perpetuating this suffering hate me, then so be it
I have read these boards as a guest for several weeks, but with the "pedigree dogs" program the other night I have been reading much more often.
The first thing I will admit is that I am no expert on any of this, but I do want to find a way to try to help the average cavalier pet buyer.
I was wondering if it is a possibility to start a website ( I can do this) where we can attempt to contact every cav owner with an official SM diagnosis. (this can also be introduced for MVD and other hereditary ilnesses)
For every dog we can "register" with an official diagnosis (MRI scan results and vet report has to be shown) we could then get a list of A) breeder names and B) infected dogs parents names (kc reg dogs only of course.)
This list could then be a helpful start when looking for a new puppy.
I can see that a LOT of breeders are going to hate me for this suggestion, but we can also add a section for each breeder stating that we have spoken to them and that they have scanned their dogs now and are no longer breeding from infected dogs, are planning on scanning before breeding again or they couldnt care less. (various other breeder comments can go here)
My only issue is trying to work out libel laws. If "fact" is the defence behind libel then seeing the scans and pedigree papers of each dog added would surely safe guard me from any legal issues. (yes I may just be totally naive)
Ideas on improvements, logistics info, anything else you would like to see would be much appreciated. If this idea is to work it will take a lot of honesty from people. It would be nice if this didnt alienate the breeders, as all moral, ethical people must see that breeding from infected dogs cannot continue.
If naming and shaming is the only way forward I for one am up for it. The good breeders ( I do know there are some) will surely be happy to help as it will boost their reputations rather than adversely affecting them. I dont have connections with any of the breeders, show people, cav clubs etc and if the ones perpetuating this suffering hate me, then so be it