The objects of the Council, as recorded with Companies House, are as follows:
1.1 To provide independent, expert advice and make recommendations on methods and priorities for improving the welfare issues of dog breeding with particular regard to:
- Surveillance, research and development
- Breeding strategies
- Legislation and regulation
- Education and publicity
1.2 In furtherance of its purpose but not otherwise, and subject to the relevant Rules of Procedure, the Council shall, within the UK, provide advice to governments and other parties as appropriate regarding improving the welfare issues of dog breeding.
In furtherance of these objects, the Council has agreed the following programme of work for 2011.
| PROJECT | OBJECTIVE |
| 1 | To develop clear and succinct guidance for the public on how to buy a dog. - distinguishing between the issues to be considered in buying a puppy and in buying an adult dog. - addressing the issue of how to help people obtain a dog that is fit, healthy, and in all ways suitable for the environment in which it will live. |
| 2 | To develop a minimum specification for any breeder assurance scheme intended to provide assurance of high standards of health, welfare and customer service, and in so doing to describe what “good breeding” looks like. |
| 3 | To develop a clear specification of the data which need to be collected (in order to develop a sound epidemiological database on health and welfare problems arising out of the breeding of dogs) and to give guidance on how basic data could be collected accurately. |
| 4 | To obtain retrospective data from, for example, insurance databases (if possible including their risk decision-making models), the British Veterinary Association/Kennel Club canine health schemes.To analyse the available data in order to produce a list of the top welfare issue / breed priorities. |
| 5 | To review existing legislation and the enforcement of it, and to make recommendationsi) for improving the enforcement of existing legislation; andii) for new regulations if required |
| 6 | to devise an effective system for addressing health issues when they are identified, resolving such problems as:What process should be used for tackling a problem which has been identified?Who should be engaged in the issue and how?How are breed clubs best engaged with problem solving?How do veterinary surgeons report a problem and to whom? |
| 7 | to identify the conditions which cause the worst welfare problems and to provide routes and tools for resolving them. |
In addition the Council will from time to time, both when requested and proactively, respond to consultations and provide guidance on public issues within the terms of reference.
The Council responded to the Welsh Assembly consultation on proposals to regulate dog breeding in January 2011.
A Council Opinion is being prepared on the issue of the permanent identification of dogs.
