Supply and Demand - 4th International Dog Health Workshop Theme Resources

From the OVERVIEW: IPFD 4thIDHW Supply and Demand theme-03May2019...

Context for the Supply and Demand theme:

At the 3rd IDHW, the complexities and impacts of the source of dogs came up in almost all themes. We remain unsure of the total numbers of dogs within regions and countries, the proportion of pedigreed/registered dogs vs. unregistered/apparent purebreds vs. designer breeds vs. mixed breeds. Information is also lacking on imports/exports of dogs and online trade is a great concern. The definition and role of shelters and rescues is evolving; with reports of questionable behaviour including buying of dogs from puppy mills, resourcing dogs from auctions, shelters importing dogs from foreign countries because of lack of inventory, and even rumours that some shelters are breeding dogs to supply the demand for puppies.

Within many countries, the percentage of dogs coming from breeders associated with the health programs and standards of the national kennel and breed clubs is decreasing. Although countries like Finland and Sweden have a high percentage of pedigreed dogs, many countries report that less than 20% of dogs, yearly, are associated with the purebred registry body, and, for e.g. in the UK, as few as 3% of puppies come from breeders who are part of the Accredited Breeders scheme. And yet, most pressure is put on the kennel clubs (KCs) to control or address the source and quality of dogs. This may be appropriate to some extent as many or these organizations specify that they are stewards for all dogs and many register dogs from sources like large commercial breeders. But assuming that the KCs have the influence to ‘fix’ the problem is unrealistic. Many stakeholder groups have a role and responsibility to address issues of supply and demand. Equally unrealistic is the continued call for the total elimination of commercial breeders by welfare organizations or the public in the face of the massive demand for dogs.

Pre-meeting  resources from the 4th IDHW Theme #2: Supply and Demand

Reading includes:

• The FOUR PAWS Model Solution for full traceability across the EU online puppy trade
• Turning up the Volume on Man's Best Friend: Ethical Issues Associated with Commercial Dog Breeding
• Purdue CAWS Leads Way with New Dog Breeding Standards ( commercially bred dogs )
• Also See DWN's article including Video on the... Canine Care Certified Program - Animal Welfare Science - Purdue
• Working towards responsible dog trade - position paper for voting 2016.pdf

Additional resources from the UK, US/AKC, Germany,  Australia and others offer perspectives on the necessity of commercial breeding and the scope of welfare issues related to the pet trade internationally.

Post-meeting  Plenary presentations from the 4th IDHW Theme #2: Supply and Demand

Supply and Demand - Brenda Bonnett

Brenda Bonnett's presentation at the 4th International Dog Health Workshop introduces the complexities and impacts of the source of dogs.

Supply and Demand: Online Puppy Trade -- Challenges and Actions - Sarah Ross

Sarah Ross summarizes the heart of how supply/demand issues impact dog health and welfare in her presentation given at the 4th International Dog Health Workshop. Model solutions for legislation and enforcement are offered.

Supply and Demand: Ireland: Identifying Change - Jim Stephens

Jim Stephens' presentation at the 4th International Dog Health Workshop includes information on the puppy trade in Ireland - legislation and issues underlying production/supply/demand are covered.

SUPPLY AND DEMAND - 4th IDHW Theme Outcome

Main Areas of Concern

• Definitions and Clarifications, “Sustainable supply of dogs”
• Dog Traceability – Numbers and Origins
• Social Media / Online Presence
• Legislation

Key Actions... “Human Behaviour Change”