The UK Kennel Club's response --
http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/4189/23/5/3 -- amazes me. the KC claims it is powerless to do anything about the genetic problems and washes its hands of responsibility. It blames the lack of regulation of dog breeding:
Unfortunately, there is very little regulation of dog breeding in this country and the Kennel Club has no legislative power but runs its Assured Breeder Scheme to support responsible breeders.
Excuse me, KC, but you ARE a regulator of dog breeding in the UK. You, KC, have the power to regulate registrations of litters, and you have the power to regulate breed standards.
But, KC refuses to acknowledge that its breed standards are a part of the problem.
Sadly, some breeders continue to breed dogs to achieve a particular look that is not supported by the Kennel Club’s Breed Standards. Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “The Breed Standards for pedigree dogs, which have been agreed with the veterinary profession, including the BVA, make it absolutely clear that breeding dogs with exaggerated features, such as overly short noses and heavy wrinkles, is not acceptable.”
So, KC denies that its breed standards, and its judges which put up the mutants, are the problem. It wants us to believe that the mutants are all due to the non-KC puppy farmers.
Finally, KC actually calls upon Parliament to take control.
In the absence of legislation, there is no obligation on breeders to take note of the Breed Standards which promote healthy dogs.
I never, ever, have heard of an organization like the KC actually wanting government to force it to do the right thing. Goverment regulation never is a solution. It is too heavy-handed and will apply its rules across the board to all breeds, regardless of differences. Government will not fine-tune its rules to recognize breed distinctions.
KC has the power to solve these problems, and yet KC claims it cannot and wants the government to do it. Unbelieveable!
Then, KC proceeds with its lies:
Dog shows are the only forum where it is possible to see whether dogs are being bred with exaggerations. Judges are trained to only reward healthy dogs and to make absolutely sure that this happens the Kennel Club will be introducing veterinary checks from Crufts this year onwards.
Imagine, thinking we will fall for such drivel! Judges are putting the mutants up! Hasn't KC noticed that fact?