Facts and Evidence: Why we need Science-Based Breeding Guidelines?

In January 2014, Purdue University engaged Candace Croney, Ph.D. to direct the Centre for Animal Welfare Science (CAWS). Dr. Croney is leading the CAWS initiative to discover a science base (Facts and Evidence) for breeding.

Judi Stella, Ph.D.

Summit 2014 is pleased to present CAWS:

'Setting the Standard: Why We Need Science-Based Breeding Guidelines' directed by Judi Stella, Ph.D.

For more than a decade, passionate people have waged a war against 'puppy mills' and 'irresponsible breeding'. However, the industry has found it difficult to agree, or even to constructively disagree, on an evidence based approach to breeding. For this reason the battle has produced collateral damage and unintended consequences for retailers, breeders, brokers, rescues and pet owners who through no fault of their own may have crossed an imaginary line.

Several attempts have been made to engage Urban Animal stakeholders in a conversation that would produce guidelines. The 'breeder codes of ethical conduct' conversation which began at Summit 2009 was the latest attempt and by 2011 had not produced an accepted result. However, the Pet Experience Project of Summit 2012 showed that sourcing was a major issue for pet owners and a fundamental cause of surrender and abandonment. Summit 2013 developed a 'sourcing conversation' that revived the interest in developing breeding standards and a way of identifying animals produced under this standard with a Certified Quality Mark (CQM) program.

It is in this context that Judi Stella Ph.D., arrives to stimulate the Sourcing conversation with evidence of the need for Science based breeding guidelines.

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Animal Connections exhibit visits Purdue University

A traveling Smithsonian Institution exhibition marking the 150th anniversary of the American Veterinary medical Association made a stop at Purdue University last week. 

The display, entitled "Animal Connections: Our Journey Together," is housed on an 18-wheel truck that introduces visitors of all ages to the complex bond between humans and animals. 

Created to inspire the next generation of veterinarians, the exhibit uses a dynamic combination of interactive learning stations, films and touch screen videos, and three-dimensional settings to explore topics about animals in the one, on the farm, in the wild, at the zoo and in the veterinary clinic. 

Animal Connections is made possible by support from the American Veterinary Medical Foundation and founding sponsor, Zoetis. For more information, visit www.sites.si.edu/index.htm