Fun with a serious purpose: Brighton’s Puppy Party

Sep

2009

From giant Irish wolfhounds to ny chihuahuas, it was a pleasure to be invited to judge them at the world's biggest puppy party at Brighton racecourse on Saturday 19th September. I was judging the Golden Oldies and my love of scruffy dogs meant that first prize went to 15 year old Rags. Rags was feeling a bit mischievous and wouldn't sit still to get his rosette - here he is, the grey dog on the right of the photo - a bit overwhelmed by his win I think!

The puppy part was a fun way to raise awareness of the cruelty of puppy farming and I am fully behind vet, Marc Abraham’s campaign. Puppy farms are the bit of the industry that many people don't know about. A bitch is caged at the age of one and made to breed. They are not allowed outside for exercise and often don't get properly fed or cared for. The puppies are taken away from her at 4 weeks old and can die within 24 hours.

Inter breeding and poor conditions mean the puppies are stressed and often suffer from disabilities or genetic diseases. People go to puppy farms and spend hundreds of pounds on a family pet only to take it home and find it quickly gets sick and sometimes even dies. This is heartbreaking for people and especially for children.

This link should take you to Marc Abraham's website and a video BBC Rogue Traders made about puppy farms. He is the vet that is leading the campaign to stop puppy farming.

Our Labour Government introduced the Animal Welfare Act in 2006 but I'm concerned it doesn't go far enough so I will be writing to the RSPCA and to the Minister to find out why puppy farms can still get a license.

I've already met with Ed Miliband to ask that we include a commitment to banning puppy farms in Labour's next manifesto.

If you're thinking of buying a puppy, don't become a victim. Take advice from your local vet to find reputable breeders in your area. It is time to stop this cruel trade and protect the pups.

Contact me if you would like to support my campaign.

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