The veterinary charity the PDSA has joined the RSPCA in belatedly pulling out of Kennel Club events, including Crufts, over the “unacceptable” breeding practices affecting some pedigree breeds. (See CHARITY FINALLY CALLS TIME ON MORALITY, Charity Matters, Issue 4).

The PDSA provides free veterinary care for the pets of people in need and has been working with the Kennel Club for the last 30 years, whilst its staff have been dealing with the serious health problems caused by the Kennel Club’s resistance to change in the way pedigree dogs are bred, specifically putting appearance before the dog’s quality of life.

Meanwhile Margaret Carter, the pedigree dog breeder who revealed the breeding malpractices in the BBC TV documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed, reports that she has been voted off the committee of her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, which is registered with the Kennel Club, after receiving threatening and abusive e-mails. The vote was 204 – 31 in favour of removing her for speaking out on the documentary, and breaching the club’s code of ethics. (cover up?).

The Kennel Club’s two main events are Crufts, held over 4 days in March at the NEC, Birmingham and Discover Dogs which took place in Earls Court on 8 & 9 November.