Credit Crunch is effecting our four legged friends

At a time when the nation is clearly struggling with the economic fall out of the credit crunch all charities are finding that at a time when fundraising becomes harder they are faced with an increase in demand for their services.

It is becoming increasingly clear that people are abandoning their pets due to changes in their finances but more worryingly it is evident that breeders are increasingly struggling to sell litters of puppies. Recently we had our first real victims of the crisis when an entire litter of seven 12 week old springer pups, bred from working parents, who were handing in because the breeder had failed to sell any and could no longer afford to feed them let alone get them vaccinated. Our rescue is not alone in this experience; almost every rescue across the UK is having unsold puppies handed in on a daily basis.

Think before you breed

NESSR implores people to think seriously before breeding it is not a quick money making enterprise, to breed properly you need to consider health tests, feed, worming and potentially microchipping, docking and vaccinations. If a bitch has difficulty whelping then it can lead to expensive vet bills. In today’s economic climate you could lose a lot of money if you only sell a few pups. You could end up with puppies unsold and then what will you do? Rescues should not have to pick up the pieces for breeders mistakes.

What is ethical breeding?

Essentially ethical breeding is about putting the welfare of the dog before profit. For those who breed for the love of it and to further the breed there are a lot of costs involved in ensuring the litter they produce are the healthiest possible. All breeds that are Kennel Club registered should have health tests before mating, this prevents genetic problems being passed on to the puppies. These tests are expensive but very necessary. Tests help to eliminate genetic diseases and conditions, which effect the health and welfare of the dogs. Indiscriminate breeding can lead to problems such as hip displacia (see Scruffy’s Blog).

With Springer Spaniels the tests should be
•    Hip score
•    Eye test
•    Cardiac Test
•    Dna test for Fucosidosis
•    Dna test for Progressive Retinal Atrophy (cord 1)
•    Dna test for Phosphofructokinase Defeciency (PFK)

Breeders should provide certificates of the test results and kennel club registration papers to prospective buyers. Along with an opportunity to meet the Dam (mother) and if possible the Sire (Father).

Ethical breeding is not just about health tests, it is about putting the welfare of the dogs and the pups before profit. An ethical breeder gives the dam and pups the best standard of care and will often make little if any money. It goes without saying that a good breeder will provide the correct amount of quality food, water and hygienic conditions. Dam and pups will be properly wormed. The puppies will be well socialised. They will offer a puppy pack, free insurance for the first six weeks and offer to take the pup/ dog back no matter what age it is. They will keep any unsold puppies and bring them on, possibly to sell later.

They will be happy to offer advice over the phone once the pup is with it’s new family. Most responsible breeders keep in touch with their puppy owners and love to receive updates and news. Ethical breeders often put a endorsement on their pups Kennel Club registration papers which means that if you want to breed from one of their pups they would have to give their permission for any offspring to be Kennel Club registered.

Importantly an ethical breeder will vet the homes their pups got to. They will ensure that new owners have the knowledge and experience needed to turn their puppies into well balanced and trained adult dogs. An ethical breeder may refuse to sell their dogs to people who they feel do not know enough about springers or have the time to give to a young pup. A responsible breeder will give back up to any pups they breed and offer to take them back if you change your mind or your circumstances change.

Stop Dogs Suffering for Profit: Part 1 - Crisis in rescue

Stop Dogs Suffering for Profit: Part 2 – Costs of responsible breeding

Stop Dogs Suffering for Profit: Part 3 – Puppy Farms