This week Anna is joined by Annie Wilson who has launched a petition to lobby Government to ensure that dog breeders health test all their breeding stock; and to act responsibly, putting health and temperament before profit. With only 30% of all puppies bred being registered with the Kennel Club and even fewer being Assured Kennel Club breeders, this leaves an enormous gap where testing is concerned. Despite new legislation for licensed dog breeders being introduced, it still leaves breeding of dogs with known health conditions up to the individual breeders, many of whom will still breed for an unhealthy dog for profit. Causing huge heart break for those taking on a pup that in Annie’s case suffers from elbow dysplasia is a long painful journey through that dog’s life.
We chat about her Bernese Mountain Dog called Button and how aged only four, she has suffered with complicated surgery, rehabilitation and lack of early socialisation that is all down to her breeder being irresponsible. Annie has launched a petition called What’s In My Genes to lobby Government to enforce health testing and to set up a databased where parents’ test results are logged making breeders accountable, basically enforcing the recommendations and health tests already stipulated in certain breeds.
Button has taken Annie on a jouney and a quest for healhy, happy dogs, please sign the
petition.
What is A Dog's Life with Anna Webb?
Dogs.
They’re companions, guardians, and much much more – they complete us. And they just might save us from ourselves.
Anna Webb explores all levels of modern dog ownership and brings to life why every dog is extraordinary.
She speaks to scientists and experts - people who have and are changing our understanding of dogs - on everything from emotional intelligence to nutrition to behaviour, delving deep into subjects like homeopathy, telepathic communication and the pet food scandal.
It's thought provoking, alternative, and not a little subversive.
Cover photo by @Gruffpawtraits