Will the American Veterinary Medical Association issue a statement in mid-January saying that dogs selected for defect should not be bred?
If they do, will that have any impact in the real world, where breed after breed is positively selected for deformity and dysfunction, and where veterinarians make big bank while treating deformed dogs with expensive surgery and drugs?
The proposed AVMA statement, written by the AVMA Animal Welfare Committee, reads:
The AVMA supports the responsible breeding of companion animals such that only animals without deleterious inherited disorders are selected for breeding. Companion animals exhibiting inherited characteristics that negatively affect the animal’s health and welfare should not be bred, as those characteristics and related problems are likely to be passed on to their progeny. This would include inherited conditions such as brachycephalic syndrome, some joint diseases, bone deformation (e.g., radial hypoplasia “twisty cats”, munchkin), heart and eye conditions, or poor temperament (e.g., Springer rage syndrome). The AVMA encourages veterinarians to educate breeders, pet owners and the public on the responsibilities involved with breeding and selecting pets to ensure that they are not contributing to poor welfare issues.
To be clear, issuing a statement is pretty weak game; it simply says intentionally breeding animals for a lifetime of distress, pain, and discomfort is a very bad idea.
Pretty bold stuff, eh?!
And what will the American Kennel Club say to this bold notion?
And will the AVMA care about what the the AKC has to say?
If so, why??
Stay tuned!
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