Purdue University has started a research project that will help develop standards for commercially bred dogs. Breeders will begin adhering to the draft standards by the end of 2015. Canine welfare will be measured before and after the breeding draft standards are implemented. The goal is to create nation-wide standards that ensure a decent quality of life. Lead researcher, Dr. Candace Croney (head of Purdue’s Center for Animal Welfare Science) said, "Breeders have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to participate."
The research project is funded by the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, Pet Food Institute, and the World Pet Association. Additional support is provided by the Science Fellows program of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIC)and the USDA-APHIC Center for Animal Welfare.
The draft standards include access to food and water, shelter, veterinary and preventative health care, behavioural wellness, and genetic selection. The research will also examine ethical issues such as rehoming dogs and ending breeding careers. Croney said, "All animal care policies must be grounded in science as well as ethics and social responsibility." The draft standards have been created with help from breeders, veterinarians, reproductive experts, and welfare experts. Experts including Temple Grandin, Bernie Rollin, and James Serpell provided input.
The scientific literature has large gaps concerning housing and management of kenneled and breeding dogs. One of the goals of Croney’s research is to collect data on these topics. These data and the final standards will be publicized in 2016. A summary, table of contents of the draft standards, research updates, and dog welfare articles may be found here.
Croney said, "The dialogue, constructive feedback and collaboration offered by breeders and animal health and welfare experts and others have greatly facilitated Purdue's capacity to develop scientific and educational approaches needed to advance the welfare of dogs in commercial breeding operations. The research team looks forward to the continuing support and input of the various communities invested in improving dog welfare."
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