The latest Associate Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare (APGAW) report A Healthier Future For Pedigree Dogs, highlights the problems the general public face when buying a puppy and makes a number of recommendations on how health and welfare can be improved, starting with good breeding practices such as more emphasis put on health screening, clear restrictions on the breeding of closely-related dogs and no dog being given the status of champion at a show unless it has been cleared for all potential diseases associated with that specific breed.

APGAW conducted an in-depth inquiry into the serious diseases and health problems suffered by pedigree dogs following approaches by welfare organisations and members of the public concerned about this issue. The Inquiry sought the views of breeders, welfarists, geneticists and individual pet owners to establish the extent of the problem and to present possible solutions to Defra who has informed the group that it is awaiting the final copy of the report alongside the Bateson investigation, due next spring, before deciding what action to take.

Eric Martlew MP, chairman of the group said: "We have had numerous examples given of the distress and suffering caused by poor breeding practice. Dog owners find themselves faced with huge vet bills and have to endure the emotional distress of seeing their pet in pain and sometimes even being put to sleep. Throughout the inquiry it has been apparent that both veterinary surgeons and welfarists believe that this is serious problem which cannot be ignored."

"The inquiry sets out ways in which key stakeholders like the Kennel Club, veterinary professionals and animal welfare organisations can work together to make improvements. This has included the recommendations to set up an independent body to monitor progress and offer advice, the need for better enforcement of Codes of Ethics and general breeding practice and more public information. Puppy farming also needs to be addressed as that adds to low welfare standards."

"We hope that this report will contribute towards measures being taken to improve the health and welfare of pedigree dogs and also that the impact on the public of low health and welfare standards in dog breeding is recognised by the government