PDSA pulls out of Crufts

Veterinary charity PDSA has today announced it is suspending its involvement in Kennel Club events including Crufts after more than 30 years.

The charity, which provides free veterinary care for the pets of people in need, has decided to withdraw from the events over "unacceptable" breeding practices and health issues affecting some pedigree dog breeds.

PDSA says its staff are faced by the consequences of these breeding practices, which include serious health issues caused by inherited conditions and through compliance to breed standards, on a daily basis.

PDSA director of veterinary services, Richard Hooker, said: "We believe change is needed in the way pedigree dogs are bred. Specifically, breeding should put the dogs' quality of life before appearance and this must be reflected in the show ring.

"Our decision reflects the weight of opinion within our charity and among our supporters. It is consistent with our Long Live Pets campaign and sends a clear message that pedigree dog breeding needs urgent review."

The charity stresses it is committed to working with the Kennel Club, the veterinary profession and welfare organisations to bring about health improvements.

Mr Hooker added: "We welcome the Kennel Club's recent efforts to improve the health status of pedigree dogs and will support these with our input and expertise wherever possible.

"We believe that our position is entirely consistent with that of the veterinary profession, including the British Veterinary Association and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association.

"PDSA will require evidence that real and sufficient progress is made in the quality of life for dogs before reconsidering today's decision.

"While we acknowledge that most dog breeders do observe good standards, this step will help to send a very clear message to all: that the initiatives undertaken by the Kennel Club to work towards improving the health status of pedigree dogs must be taken on board, through their agreement to revised breed standards.

"Solving health problems in certain pedigree breeds means addressing public demand as well as breed supply issues. The information available to dog owners and prospective owners is critical.

"If members of the public only want dogs that are healthy and responsibly bred, then undesirable practices will cease. That is why PDSA is committed to delivering good public information and education."

The Kennel Club said PDSA's announcement was "very disappointing".

"The Kennel Club announced earlier this month the most significant shift in assuring the health and welfare of dogs in the UK through its Health and Welfare Strategy. Indeed on the back of this strategy, the first of its kind in over 100 years, the PDSA were in discussion with the Kennel Club about ways in which it could participate in this process... we find its present position conflicting and therefore confusing," the organisation said in a statement.