DOGS NSW has prepared a voluntary Accredited Breeders Scheme to advance the health and welfare of purebred dogs

In the UK the Kennel Club has recently given unqualified support to the recommendations of the Bateson Report on health and welfare in dog breeding, including proper health testing and disclosure to purchasers.

Accordingly DOGS NSW has prepared a proposed voluntary Accredited Breeders Scheme for input and comment by members with a view to implementing these principles, as applicable to Australia, on a voluntary basis.

It is not possible to breed perfect dogs as Mother Nature is not perfect. However by common sense and good science based practice, DOGS NSW members can demonstrate their commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes with the health and welfare of their dogs.

This Accredited Breeder Scheme is aimed ensuring that, when buying from us, the puppy buying public can have confidence that the right thing has been done in producing those puppies and that proper health testing of parents and puppies has been carried out.

The strong member input/comment in 2009 on our proposed new Judges Training Scheme and the proposed NSW Government Breeding Code of Practice contributed to positive outcomes for DOGS NSW. We look forward to repeating those outcomes with strong member contribution to the proposed Voluntary Accredited Breeders Scheme.

In addition to publication in this Gazette the scheme will be published on our website for three months for member comment and input. Commentary is invited by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by post to P O Box 632, St Marys NSW 1790, closing 30th June 2010.

Finally neither purebreds nor crossbred can be bred ‘perfect’ and this program is not designed to go down that track. It is about sensible science based good practice and proper disclosure.

Existing obligations all DOGS NSW member Breeders

1. To comply with all relevant Companion Animal Laws and Prevention Of Cruelty to Animals Laws.

2. To comply with the DOGS NSW code of Ethics

3. To comply with ANKC Code of Ethics and the current ANKC National Code of Practice for Hereditary Diseases,

4. To comply with the Standards set out in the NSW Department of Industry and investment Animal Welfare Code of Practice “Breeding dogs and cats” 2009.

Proposed DOGS NSW accredited breeder requirements

Note: Accolades to Accredited Breeders under scheme based solely on high welfare standards

To qualify as an Accredited Breeder a member would agree to the following:

i) pre-mating disease testing of prospective parents

Note. “Disease testing” means:

a) testing for health conditions which are notified by the Breed Club ,ANKC or DOGS NSW as relevant to the breed, and for which scientifically validated, reliable, readily available and cost effective screening procedures are available.

b) DNA tests for hereditary diseases that are available in the relevant breed.

ii) subject to veterinary advice, no mating where tests indicate inadvisable

iii) microchip puppies prior to sale

iv) puppy microchip numbers to be included in Application to Register Litter

v) presale veterinary checks on puppies with written report by veterinary surgeon

vi) copies of parent test results and puppy vet check results to be made available to prospective purchasers

vii) prospective purchasers can view puppies with mother where litter was born and raised

viii) comply with standards and guidelines of management and welfare for kennels as set out in NSW Animal Welfare Code of Practice “Breeding dogs and cats” Standards and Guidelines

ix) provide detailed information for puppy care and welfare to purchasers

x) inspection of kennels and records if requested by DOGS NSW

xi) non compliance results in deregistration or suspension from scheme

xii) scheme to be upgraded from time to time as circumstances require

Notes

1. After due member consideration and input the Board will finalise the voluntary scheme and prepare the necessary regulations for implementation.

2. It is proposed that Accredited Breeders will be permitted to use a specially designed logo and describe themselves as Accredited DOGS NSW Breeders in advertising both in the DOGS NSW and other media.

For and on behalf of the Board,

Christine Davis, DOGS NSW CEO

15 February 2010