The Crufts Debate

In the last couple of years there has been a huge debate about the kennel Club and its prime show Crufts in the dog world. It all started with a BBC programme which documented how the Breed standard for pedigree dogs was leading to many health problems. As there was a lot of inbreeding and unhealthy dogs being bred to get the so called pure breed to get the right body, leg and head shape to win a show. Examples of health problems caused by breeding pedigree dogs are such as the brain being too large in Cavalier King Charles, Spinal problems in Rhodesian Ridgebacks, cancer in Retrievers, skin problems in West Highland Terriers and the list goes on. The RSPCA vet on the programme called pedigree dogs mutants. Other major issues was also raised in the programme such as how the dogs welfare seemed second too how much money the kennel club were getting and so called expert judges were not actually basing their best in breed or show on the supposed breed standard but was just a personnel choice.

Since this programme came out a couple of years ago the Kennel club have said they are changing their ideas but I went to Crufts in 2011 and still the RSPCA, BBC and Pedigree Chum are boycotting the event which must mean they are not yet totally happy. From what I saw the dog shows looked the same as they ever did and one of the events, the Terrier racing was very out of control and was not for the benefit of the dogs.

On the other side of the coin Crufts is a great place to learn, raise awareness about dog issues and to promote dog charities. I watched in the main arena the charity Pets as Therapy where volunteers go and visit people in hospitals and other places with their dog and awards were given to the most committed volunteers and dogs. This was a great spectacle and was very well done.

I think the jury is still out on the Kennel Club and Crufts. Lets hope that everyone can work together to make dogs healthier in the future.

http://www.woofingmarvellous.co.uk/

Dog Poop can you make money!

Dog poop became headline news in the UK for all the wrong reasons in 2011 when a little girl named Amiee Langdon put her hand in some doggie poop and then wiped her left eye. She was taken to hospital where tests confirmed she had picked up the infection toxocariasis.
Toxocariasis is a roundworm found in dogs and spread through their faeces. This disease can cause stomach upsets, sore throats, asthma and even blindness in rare cases.
In the UK. The 1996 dog's act states that if your dog fouls in a public place you must as the owner, clean it up. There is a £50 on the spot fine if apprehended and the owner can be taken to court and prosecuted with a maximum fine of up to £ 1000 should they refuse to pay.
Again in the UK the local council has a duty to keep public areas clean and free of dog poop. Nowadays different councils employ of tactics including CCTV, spray painting, patrolling by environmental rangers together with the use of special dog bins.
Nonetheless, Fido, Rover and their chums have to do what nature and intended on a very regular basis. With the dog population exceeding sixty million in the US and over twelve million in the UK this amounts to a sizeable daily problem, not only in public places but in the back yard as well!
In America cleaning up said problem is a very lucrative business. One example is the couple who work in the Long Island area, charging $12 per week for one dog and $ 21 for two dogs twice a week. Working 150 stops per week, this amounts to a very healthy income. All in all it is estimated that this amounts to a $ 2.6 billion industry in the USA. Who said there are no opportunities in a recession! There is even an association of animal waste specialists http://www.apaws.org/ who are a well recognised body in an industry that boats around 500 independents and at least three national franchises. Industry pundits state that there are substantial environmental and health concerns driving this industry. They also state that when you factor in the high cost of hospital treatment and need for people to spend longer at work in a tough economy and therefore wanting more " bought in " services, the industry is in its infancy.
In the UK, there is little visibility of such an industry emerging. This must represent an opportunity to " get in on the ground floor " and scoop up the rewards ( excuse the pun ) But in all seriousness there are a number of factors that drive the need for such an industry to grow. People are becoming much more environmentally aware these days. Pet ownership is increasing daily and regulation from Europe is bound to increase the need to legislate in this area. Who knows, you could be the first "poop scoop millionaire!"

http://www.ben-cornish.co.uk/

Now We Sell Leads for Walkies and Carriers to keep your dog safe in your car. There's also a wider range of Bowls and Beds!

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BRAND NEW WEBSITE WITH ONLINE DOG STORE!

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