The welfare codes have been drawn up under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to provide practical advice to help dog and cat owners fulfil their duty of care to their pets. The Codes explain what the animals need (in terms of a suitable environment and diet, being protected from pain and suffering, being able to exhibit normal behaviour and being housed with, or apart from, other animals) and what owners should do to address these needs.
The BVA took part in stakeholder meetings with Defra and other animal welfare organisations to inform the Codes and hopes they will be effective in getting the messages to dog and cat owners and prospective owners.
However, the BVA is disappointed that advice on healthy breeding practice was not included in the Codes. Along with a number of other organisations the BVA recommended that owners should have a duty to ensure that unhealthy animals with known hereditary diseases are not used for breeding and that the Codes include advice on health screening for such diseases.
Defra has argued that these issues could not be included in the Codes. The BVA is therefore calling on the Government to review the Codes in 12 months, after consideration of both the APGAW and Bateson Reviews of pedigree dogs, to see if further advice can be given to pet owners on breeding issues.
Commenting on the launch of the Codes of Practice of Dogs and Cats, BVA President Professor Bill Reilly said:
“These Codes of Practice are an important tool in educating dog and cat owners about their responsibilities for the health and welfare of their pets and the legal duty of care they have for their animals.
“The BVA supports the publication of the Codes and encourages vets to promote the information to their clients.
“However, it is vital that Defra keeps these Codes under review to ensure they actively promote responsible ownership.
“With so much attention on the health and welfare problems associated with breeding the BVA is calling on the Government to consider including information and advice on breeding once it has considered the recommendations of the APGAW and Bateson reviews on pedigree dog breeding.”
Notes for editors
1. The Codes of Practice for Dogs and Cats are available from the Defra website www.defra.go.uk
2. The Dog Breeding Stakeholder Group (led by the BVA Animal Welfare Foundation and including representatives from the BVA, Defra and a number of welfare organisations) recently launched its ‘Guidance on choosing your new dog’ to help potential dog owners choose a happy and healthy animal.
3. For further information, please contact the BVA press office