Dogs Trust Evesham withdraws from Crufts (From Evesham Journal)

Dogs Trust Evesham withdraws from Crufts

3:43pm Wednesday 17th September 2008

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THE EVESHAM branch of a national dogs charity has backed the decision to withdraw from the world’s largest dog show over controversial breeding techniques for show animals.

Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, will not be involved in Crufts, Discover Dogs or this year’s Westminster Dog of the Year Show.

It cut all links with the Kennel Club, which organises the events, following consultation with the charity’s trustees and requests from its supporters about breeding standards.

Chris Slight, manager of the Evesham centre on Pitchers Hill, Wickhamford, said: “I whole heartedly back the decision. A very strong statement needs to be made regarding the welfare of dogs.”

Six dogs at the centre currently have breeding-related ailments such as bad hips and joints.

Mr Slight added: “We are always getting pure bred dogs and they have problems. We are picking up the pieces from bad breeding.”

The Trust’s chief executive Clarissa Baldwin is demanding that Kennel Club officials review breed standards to ensure the health and well-being of pedigree dogs is the main focus, not the appearance of the breed.

Dogs Trust hopes withdrawing its support will lead to rapid changes in the way in which dogs are bred.

It is in talks with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and The Kennel Club in a bid to bring about “much needed changes”.

This includes introducing secondary legislation to prevent inappropriate breeding practices and introducing genetic screening of all breeding stock.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club spokesman, said: “The Dogs Trust’s decision to withdraw from forthcoming Kennel Club events seems to be at odds with their stated position and is extremely regrettable, but we will continue to endeavour to work with them for the benefit of dogs. ”

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