Wonderfull News!

[Nienke]

Now this is like music to my ears!!! FINALLY!!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulldog

... In January 2009, after the BBC documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed, the The Kennel Club introduced revised breed standards for the British Bulldog, along with 209 other breeds, to address health concerns. Opposed by the British Bulldog Breed Council, it was speculated by the press that the changes would lead to a smaller head, less skin folds, a longer muzzle, and a taller thinner posture, in order to combat perceived problems with respiration and with breeding due to head size and posture.[1]...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedigree_Dogs_Exposed

Pedigree Dogs Exposed is a BBC One investigative documentary, produced by Jemima Harrison, which looks into the health issues facing pedigree dogs in the United Kingdom.

The Kennel Club, the governing body of dogs in the UK that runs the prestigious dog conformation show Crufts, was criticized for allowing breed standards, judging standards and breeding practices that are said to compromise the health of purebred dogs.[1]

The programme generated much criticism of the Kennel Club. It also caused various sponsors and trade exhibitors including Pedigree, Hill's, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and UK's largest dog welfare charity Dogs Trust to withdraw their participation from Crufts and other Kennel Club events. The BBC has decided to withdraw their coverage of Crufts for 2009.

The Kennel Club initially denied the filmmakers' assertion that many dogs suffer from diseases and states that "the vast majority of dog breeds are healthy." Due to strong public opinion, it later rolled out new health plans and reviewed breed standards for every breed. Some breeders have condemned the Club for overreacting....

.... Inbreeding

Deliberate inbreeding, including mother-to-son, father-to-daughter and brother-to-sister matings is said to result in serious genetic disease being perpetuated in many breeds. A 2006 report by Companion Animal Welfare Council called for major changes, stating that "inbreeding needs to be controlled" and that "animals with genetic defects should be barred from breed shows." Irving rejected the claims in the report claiming that it was based on emotion rather than science....

... Sick champions

The programme shows examples of individuals with serious inherited diseases being crowned show champions. Such individuals are not forbidden from being bred and some go on to produce offspring who inherit the same diseases....

Yup, the latter I've witnessed also: dogs with clear physical or mental health problems becoming Thai champ. Yikes!

IMO, this is a major step in the good direction. Now let's people wake up as well about the damage that commercial petfood and vaccinations can do to our animals.