Health and Welfare

“Our primary objective is to promote in every way, the general improvement of pure bred dogs, responsible dog ownership and the varied roles in which dogs contribute to today’s society.”

“Dog owners bear a special responsibility, to their canine companions, to provide proper care and humane treatment at all times. This means the provision of adequate and nutritious diet, clean water, clean, dry and comfortable living conditions, appropriate veterinary care, kind and responsible human companionship and training in appropriate behaviour. Dogs should only be kept in circumstances and/or numbers where all these needs can be adequately provided.”

(ANKC – www.ankc.org.au )

ANKC STATEMENT: PEDIGREE DOGS EXPOSED – RSPCA CALL FOR CHANGE

The ANKC is actively addressing recent concerns raised on a review of breeding practices in Australia and would like to provide the following information.

1. Australia differs considerably to the UK – we agree there are problems (just as there are in humans, cross bred dogs and other species) but are working hard to improve dog health and welfare across the board.
2. We already have Disease Control Schemes running in a large number of breeds and have been doing so for long periods of time, with good results. We have cleared Copper Toxicosis from Bedlington Terriers, Fucocidosis in Springer Spaniels and Haemophilia A from the German Shepherd.
3. We annually donate close to $100,000 collectively across Australia to Research into dog diseases and DNA Test Development.
4. Breeders are heavily involved in testing dogs and assisting in research often by donating funds and samples.
5. With regards to Inbreeding we are collaborating with the Sydney University Faculty of Veterinary Science investigating the status in Australia. We do not anticipate major problems in the numerically larger breeds, smaller breeds may have higher figures, however Australian breeders have a long history of importing new bloodlines, especially due to our geographical isolation.6.
6. Breed Standards were promoted in the BBC Program as the ”cause” of many genetic diseases – rarely is this true, many diseases are enzyme or organ based. Breed Standards are an outline guide and breeders and judges are urged to avoid exaggeration.
7. Health Control Schemes – there is widespread use of health schemes in Australia by dog breeders – hips, elbows, eyes. The use of DNA Testing is expanding rapidly as tests become available. The ANKC has partnered with the AVA in CHEDS (Canine Hip and Elbow Scheme) and ACES (Australian Canine Eye Scheme). Some breeds have adopted LRL’s (Litter Registration Limitations requiring parental screening for certain heritable diseases before a litter can be registered.
8. The ANKC and its Member Bodies are committed to the improvement of the Health and Welfare of Pedigree Dogs and where it is presented with scientifically based evidence of health problems in a breed it will consult with relevant experts to work towards a solution.

The following information is being prepared for all dog owners as part of our responsibility of promoting responsible dog ownership in the ACT and surrounding Districts.

Finding the right dog to suit yourself, your lifestyle and perhaps your family, is a difficult choice to make and not one to be entered into lightly. To see the joy in the introduction of a new puppy into a home especially where children are involved is very special, but the new puppy also brings responsibilities.

Each pedigree dog breed has its own characteristics and with over 200 different breeds there is an ideal breed of dog for everyone. You should consider all their characteristics and match them with your personality and lifestyle and then you are more likely to have a happy and fulfilling relationship with your dog.

Before buying any pet – you need to consider:

• Whether you want a male or female, puppy or adult?
• How tall will it grow, coat type and length?
• A dog’s lifespan is on average of 12 years, can you make the lifelong commitment to it?
• Can you afford the cost of feeding it?
• Can you afford all veterinary fees?
• Is your home big enough for the dog you want?
• Do you have the time to exercise the dog every day?
• Is there someone at home for the puppy during the day — after all dogs get lonely just like humans?
• Will you be able to spend time grooming, training and generally looking after your dog?
• Can you answer YES to all of these questions? If you answer NO to any of these questions, perhaps you should think carefully before devoting the time or commitment to buying a dog.
• A dog should never be a gift for anyone — unless that person has some involvement in the selection of the puppy and the life style considerations of the pup now and when it is an adult. Importantly – who will look after the dog when the child grows up and leaves home?

Dogs take time, care and love; and buying and owning one is a large undertaking.

Remember — A dog is not just for a life time, it is for their lifetime.

A lot of the information listed below is currently being reviewed & updated by our Health & Welfare and Education & Promotions sub-committees. New information is also being prepared by the different dog sport disciplines in the ACT. All of this work is being completed by volunteers and will take a little while to complete. This means this page is a work in process, and is always undergoing change.

If you wish to participate and send articles or information for consideration, you are encouraged to do so.

Clinics.

• Australian Canine Eyes Scheme (ACES) – To find a vet in your state (Click here)

ANKC Survey Results:

• Results ANKC German Shepherd Dog Survey
• Results from the ANKC Border Collie Survey.
• ANKC Survey Results – Flat Coated Retriever

ANKC Health and Welfare media releases.

• Dogs ‘Smell Out’ Cancer
• Dogs Show are not all Show.
• Blood Donor Dogs Save Lives.
• Hereditary Disease in Dogs a Fact of Life
• New Stem Cell Technology Combats Arthritis.
• Dog breeding in Australia.

About Dogs ACT.

• Our aims and objectives.
• Code of Ethics.
• Health and Welfare fact sheet.

Buying a puppy.

We encourage our members to breed only for the improvement of the breed and with consideration that only when the surplus product of the breeding can be assured proper homes and care.

• What dog is best for me?
• So you want a puppy.
• Questions to Breeders.
• Bringing your puppy home.
• Caring for your dog.
• Puppy Socialisation.
• Responsible Breeding.

Activities.

• Showing your dog.
• Dogs Obedience Training.
• ACT Areas where you can take and/or exercise your dog.
• Dogs ACT Affiliated Dog Clubs.

Identification – microchips.

• Domestic Animals Policy – Microchipping of dogs.

Registration.

We encourage pet owners to have their dogs that are not required for an ongoing breeding program, spayed or neutered as a responsible means to prevent accidental breeding.

• Registration with Dogs ACT.

The value of dogs as companion animals is indicated in that they provide physical, emotional and psychological benefits for their owners. The ACT Domestic animals policy promotes the responsible ownership of dogs. The policy also aims to protect the rights of dogs and their owners in balance with the rights and needs of others in the community.

• Pet ownership in the ACT & Domestic Animal Services.
• ACT Government – Animal Welfare Act 1992.
• ACT Government – Animal Welfare Regulations 2001.
• Animal welfare standards – Code of practice for dog ownership in the ACT.

To ensure that animals have access to a reasonable standard of welfare it is necessary to define what the minimum standard of care should be for an animal.

PHOTOGRAPHY EXCLUSIVITY

AGREEMENT for Dogs ACT affiliates contracting or engaging Professional Photographers or Amateur Photographers to officially provide photographic services and photograph winning dogs at Dogs ACT sanctioned events
Affiliates that engage the use of a sole photographers, whether they be professional or amateur photographers to provide photographic services and photograph winning dogs at Dogs ACT sanctioned events are reminded of Dogs ACT Policy of Agreements.
The designated photographer has the sole right of access to the inside of the main ring area or podium designated areas.  All other photographers must gain permission from the contracted photographer before entering these areas, this will include amateur or family photographers.  This also includes private sittings while on the designated whole of dog show grounds.  All areas outside the designated ring area and/or podium areas are available to all photographers to have the right to freely take photos except for private sittings.

https://dogsact.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photography-Exclusivity-Form-as-at-12-April-2016.pdf

CLEANING POLICY

Dogs ACT has formulated a cleaning policy to assist affiliates in the conduct of their events. The following options are available to affiliates. Included are two alternative options (1,2) for affiliates in regards to cleaning at their events, option 3 is listed in detail.
1. Affiliates can use the EPIC cleaning provider to provide cleaning services on event days.  This service is at the affiliates cost and the affiliate must undertake ring set themselves, this includes erecting rings, taking down judges tables and distributing rubbish bins around the grounds as well as emptying the bins into the hoper. 2. Affiliates can undertake all cleaning at their event themselves and undertake ring set this includes erecting rings, taking down judges tables and distributing rubbish bins around the grounds as well as emptying the bins into the hoper. OR 3. Clubs to Dogs ACT to undertake cleaning and ring set up, clubs to review the toilet blocks themselves (ie removing loose paper from the floor), replace ¾ full bins to the allocated area and clubs to erect and take down judging tables each day.
Option 3 in detail
Affiliates to advise Dogs ACT Business Manager and request cleaning at their event when they lodge their schedule. Dogs ACT will conduct clean down of the toilet blocks prior to the event (day before).  Dogs ACT will conduct set up of rings prior to the event (day before) affiliates will erect and take away the judging tables at the end of each day.  Dogs ACT to put out a minimum of 8 bins (more if a large show) located at the top and bottom rings prior to the event (day before).  Dogs ACT to ensure dog waste collection bags and sand is maintained for the event.  Dogs ACT to ensure spare bins are relined ready for used as replacement bins.  Clubs to ensure bins are removed when they are three quarters full to the designated area and a new lined bin put in its place.  Dogs ACT to empty all bins into the hopper at the conclusion of the event.  Dogs ACT to conduct full clean down of the toilet blocks at the conclusion of the event.  Dogs ACT to invoice for cleaning concerning the event to be charge at a minimum of 4 hours at a rate of $35 per hour   Excess cleaning that may be required will be charged at the hourly rate of $35 to the affiliate.  Affiliates requiring additional cleaning over extended days will need to make alternate arrangements for extra cleaning eg (EPIC cleaner).  All ring equipment damaged will be repaired and the cost charged to the Affiliate using the equipment.

https://dogsact.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Cleaning-Policy.pdf