Victim of it's own success - SBT Announcement

This Press release was made by the Kennel Club last tuesday, 8th November.

The Kennel club is finally recognising the role it and breeders have to play in the welfare of the SBT. It certainly gives us all food for thought. However, for such an important announcement, I am surprised it has gone unnoticed on here.

Aileen x



197.05 CANINE WELFARE ORGANISATIONS ACT TO ADDRESS PROBLEMS WITH THE STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER

Tuesday, 8 November, 2005

‘A Victim Of His Own Success’

In early October, the Kennel Club hosted a meeting at its headquarters to discuss the plight of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, who has become the ‘victim of his own success’ and is being over bred in the UK, with supply far outstripping demand. Breed Rescue and animal welfare charities are inundated with unwanted dogs, bearing testament to this fact.

In attendance at the meeting were John and Gwen Laker, Barbara Green, Norma Vann and Sam Savage from Staffordshire Bull Terrier Welfare, Phil Buckley and Rosemary Smart from the Kennel Club, Clarissa Baldwin from Dogs Trust and Duncan Green and Ali Taylor from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

Thorough discussion took place at this meeting and various actions were agreed in an attempt to address this important welfare issue. A generic statement regarding the breed has been produced and is listed at the base of this announcement. One of the essential elements is the education of prospective owners with regard to the breed’s characteristics as clearly the Stafford is being both over bred and obtained by the wrong type of owner, for sometimes all the wrong reasons.

The campaign will be officially launched at Discover Dogs in London on the 12th and 13th November. Discover Dogs provides the ideal platform for the issue as the event promotes choice, care and training of individual breeds. Other initiatives - including a public awareness campaign via the canine media and ‘free ads’ publications - will be implemented shortly, with announcements to be made in due course.

Said Rosemary Smart, Chief Executive of the Kennel Club, “One of the most popular of all the terriers, the Stafford is in fact a specialised breed and his ownership should be very carefully considered prior to purchase. Also, breeders should think responsibly prior to embarking on breeding programmes as clearly, over breeding is taking place and permanent, loving homes are not being found in every instance.”

John Laker, Chairman of Staffordshire Bull Terrier Welfare concluded, “Sadly, being involved with the sharp end of rescue, we find ourselves having to pick up the pieces and Stafford Rescue nationwide is inundated with unwanted dogs, who come to us through no fault of their own. We are delighted that the Kennel Club, Dogs Trust and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home are working with us to try to resolve this important issue, as it really is reaching crisis point.”

The generic statement, that will be taken forward and used throughout the forthcoming campaign is listed below and please look out for further announcements in due course.

‘One of the most popular of all the terriers, unfortunately the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has become the ‘victim of his own success’ and is being over bred in the UK, with supply far outstripping demand. Breed Rescue and animal welfare charities are inundated with unwanted dogs, bearing testament to this fact. As a ‘specialised’ breed, careful consideration should be given regarding ownership, if a novice. Prospective owners should read a comprehensive book on the breed, prior to purchase, and check that the dog’s parents have been tested for hereditary problems. A true Stafford’s genuine love of children is well known and he is often referred to as ‘the nanny dog’. With the human race he is kindness itself but sometimes the breed is intolerant of other dogs. He is relatively maintenance free but does require a fair amount of exercise and craves human attention and therefore does not fair well with long periods of isolation. Susceptible to theft, all owners should microchip their Stafford and ensure that they purchase an authentic Stafford. Ideally ask an experienced person to accompany you, to ensure that you are viewing full-bred Kennel Club registered puppies with supporting documentation. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous breeders may attempt to sell you a cross bred, Pit Bull type dog. Only purchase a Kennel Club registered puppy or dog from a responsible breeder, whose details can be obtained from the Kennel Club. Dogs should stand at 14-16 inches and weigh 24 – 38 pounds and cost in the region of £400 - £600. Alternatively, prospective owners may wish to consider obtaining a dog from Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue. It is recommended that potential owners contact the various nationwide Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed Clubs and welfare organisations for further information on the breed’s management prior to the purchase of this breed and these details are available from the Kennel Club, telephone 0870 6066750.’

Its brilliant isnt it. About time but better now than never.

couldnt agree more - but in practise will it actually stop the breeders/puppy farmers that make their money from this breed?

dani

I never knew about this, well done for bringing light to the statement. i had no idea that there were so many unwanted staffies out there. Makes me think twice about breeding Dino !

Good piece of reading! Well done. Poor wee poochies :O(

This initiative is long overdue.

its such a shame but i have definately noticed more staffs around than before....

its about time thanks alieen!

Better late then never!!