Current BWG Activities – Framework Update

The BWG recognises that there are many different stakeholders in relation to the brachycephalic dog issue in the UK and will harness the different opportunities that various members within the group have to influence these goals. The progress made by each member body can be read below:

Breed Health Co-ordinators (BHCs)

BHCs have:

  • Met with the KC to discuss possible changes to the breed standards for brachycephalic breeds.
  • Contributed to the development of brachycephalic health schemes (along with the BVA, the KC and the University of Cambridge).

BSAVA

BSAVA has:

  • Contributed to and supported many of BVA’s activities including: The development of ‘Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Pet Animals in Advertising’ and The Position paper on Extreme Conformation across species.
  • Continued to regularly circulate articles or information related to the work of BWG via BSAVA News to all members (>10,000 vets).
  • Actively been involved in many of the activities of the Canine Feline Sector Group (CFSG) http://www.cfsg.org.uk/_layouts/15/start.aspx#/SitePages/Home.aspx which seeks to improve the health and welfare of dogs and cats by working in partnership with MPs, government, NGOs, leading charities and a broad spectrum of companion animal stakeholders.
  • Published an article in BSAVA’s internal monthly publication covering scientific aspects and management of brachycephalic health and welfare problems.
  • Provided CPD for vets on brachycephalic breeds through a dedicated stream featured at BSAVA congress.
  • Featured a session on the puppy trade at the 2018 BSAVA congress, in particular of relevance to brachycephalic breeds.
  • Liaised with RCVS to ensure clarity on the desired veterinary approach when dealing with potential, new or existing brachycephalic-owning clients.
  • Contributed to the FVE Consultation on ‘Breeding Healthy Dogs’ – covers FVE policy, recommendations and actions regarding supply and demand of brachycephalic breeds.

BVA     

Since the release of the #BreedtoBreathe campaign the BVA has:

Breeding change – vets and vet nurses tackling root cause animal welfare problems

Extreme conformation – how vets can play their part

Dogs Trust

Dogs Trust have:

  • Met with vets attending Crufts 2018 for updates on the current vet-check systems in place.

PDSA

The PDSA has:

  • Formed a strategy to mitigate the harms from Disney’s Patrick the Pug movie.

Royal Veterinary College

The RVC has:

  • The RVC’s VetCompass Programme continues to explore an extensive programme of research on brachycephalic health with many papers already published on topics related to brachycephalic issues.
  • Formed a Brachycephalic Research Team that has a vision to reduce the negative welfare impacts of brachycephalism on companion animals through world-leading research and education.
  • Worked in collaboration with the University of Cambridge to review the breed standards and points of concern for brachycephalic breeds and made recommendations.
  • Published an open letter in the Veterinary Record, released to the wider media, urging marketing bodies not to use brachycephalic breeds in their campaigns.
  • Continued to publish evidence on brachycephalic health.

RSPCA

The RSPCA has:

  • Met with vets attending Crufts 2018 for updates on the current vet-check systems in place.
  • Continued to develop a Puppy Contract to encourage those buying and breeding puppies to do so responsibly.

The Kennel Club

The Kennel Club (KC) continues to develop Breed Health and Conservation Plans (BHCPs) for brachycephalic breeds, which ensure that all health concerns are identified through evidence-based criteria, and that breeders are provided with useful information and resources to support them in making balanced breeding decisions that make health a priority. By the end of November 2018, 40 breeds will have a BHCP document.

University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge has:

  • Released a vital scheme, funded by The Kennel Club Charitable Trust, to improve health of Pugs, French Bulldogs and Bulldogs.
  • Worked in collaboration with the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) to review the breed standards and points of concern for brachycephalic breeds and made recommendations.
  • Met with vets attending Crufts 2018 for updates on the current vet-check systems in place.
  • Continued to publish evidence on brachycephalic health.