For owners
Members
ANKC Statement
The Open letter from the President of the FCI, related to the status of the brachycephalic breeds in the Netherlands, has been widely viewed and applauded around the world, ANKC Ltd will be sending a message of support to the FCI and the Dutch Breeders, the statement will carry far greater weight if it has the declared support of the breed clubs and National Breed Councils (where they exist) of the threatened breeds, Affenpinschers, Boston Terriers, British Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Griffon Bruxellois, Japanese Chin, King Charles Spaniels, Pugs, Pekingese and Shih Tzu.
Do not think that your breed is safe from this kind of Government Legislation, it may be at present, but who knows what may happen in coming years, some organisations whose objectives include prohibition of people owning animals, are gaining representation in State and Territory Governments and may reach the stage where they hold a balance of power and introduce restrictive breeding regulations, be assured that these political parties plus the RSPCA, AVA and individual Veterinarians will be inspired by such statements as “in the future, breeders must demonstrate that brachycephalic dogs are proven free of conformation related problems” and “the core of the report is a set of criteria about the conformation. When one is exceeded, this will lead to a prohibition of breeding, regardless of the other criteria. The criteria describe exaggerated conformations, which are not desirable within the breeds”. Brachycephalic breeders in Australia must work to ensure that their breed cannot be targeted for exaggerated features, and be able to demonstrate that, where recognised health schemes are available for their, breed they have embraced them.
For clubs to be included in the ANKC letter of support to the FCI and Dutch Breeders, please write to your Member Body or National Breed Councils so they can forward to the ANKC.
Mr Hugh Gent OAM Dr Karen Hedberg (BVSc) Sydney
President & Chairman of the Board Chairperson, ANKC Canine Health & Wellbeing Committee
22 May 2020
Dogs Australia is a not-for-profit organisation advocating for the preservation of purebred dogs through ethical breeding.
It champions the highest standard of animal welfare through education and fostering dog-loving communities.
Internationally recognised and established in 1958 as the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC),
the organisation promotes responsible dog ownership; maintains the ORCHID* heritable canine diseases database;
funds research into canine diseases; and supports state and territory-based member bodies.
Dogs Australia promotes breed conformation shows and community sports for dogs that fulfil a breed’s natural instincts.
