Breeder Accreditation
5 Generations from left - Aust Gr Ch Dinamyte Chace The Ace E.T ROH, Aust Ch Dinamyte China Rose E.T, Aust Gr Ch Dinamyte Shakira, Aust Ch ZForce StarFX DNA, AmstarFX Heidi Ho, AmstarFX Trixi Firecraka, Aust Ch Dinamyte Dirty Deeds and Shinsedai Redneck Rampage (AI)
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Here at AmstarFX, we are honoured to be the first and only American Staffordshire Terrier breeders in the state to be recognised by Dogs Queensland to become accredited. Queensland is the first state to have this type of scheme introduced, other states have now followed suit. We achieved this by easily meeting all the compulsory requirements to become accredited.
We feel it is very important, especially after recent events in Qld to show prospective puppy buyers from all over as well as our governing bodies, that there are breeders out there taking this breed serious and doing all the necessary health testing and steps forward to ensure this breeds future. We feel strongly about maintaining healthy relationships with all of our prior puppy buyers and offer mentoring, something I feel is very important if we want to keep this breed going strong into the future for our children to enjoy..
Regards,
Kelly Bannan
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BACKGROUND:
In early 2008 the Canine Control Council (Qld), now trading as Dogs Queensland, appointed a Sub-Committee and commenced a detailed and complete review of existing breeding practices. As the premier and most influential dog organisation within our state, we operate stud book breeding registers and promote the advantages of pure bred dogs specifically with our interested dog enthusiasts and more generally within the wider community.
Dogs Queensland promotes responsible dog ownership and is subject to the scrutiny of all stakeholders including Government, Welfare Agencies and the puppy buying public. Our breeding practices need continual review so that the health, structural soundness and wellbeing of our chosen breed(s) continue to improve.
Increasingly, the media are playing an important social conscience role by bringing to the attention of what they would describe as dubious breeding practices. There is no better illustration of this than in the BBC television documentary “pedigree dogs exposed”.
As the guardians of our wonderful registered pedigree dogs, it is important we continually strive to improve our breeding practices. Accordingly, our Sub-Committee was asked to review and, if necessary, further develop these existing practices to a level that will provide validation for our breeders. This, in turn, will give all members confidence to promote our organisation and themselves. It will also give potential puppy buyers the opportunity to compare our “value offer” and give them the confidence to make a well informed decision before they commit to purchasing a puppy.
WHAT HAVE WE ACHIEVED SO FAR?
We developed a survey for puppy buyers. Everyone who acquires a puppy from a registered member breeder in Queensland receives a letter congratulating them on their decision to own a registered pure bred dog. The office also sends an information booklet about Dogs Queensland and a “Puppy Purchaser Survey” so that they are able to give feedback on their experience with the breeder.
We have been gathering information from the surveys since September last year. Our intention was to find out what breeders do and how those practices are perceived by the buying public. The results of the survey from September 2009 to February 2010 were presented at the General Meeting in March. In its own small way, the survey has produced enough data to establish that most of our member breeders are conforming with and surpassing Dogs Queensland Rules and Regulations and Code of Ethics. We will publish the results in future journals.
This is perfect timing, as our survey has established that most of our breeders already practice what is now recommended by the UK Kennel Club commissioned Independent Inquiry into Dog Breeding by Professor Sir Patrick Bateson after the documentary “pedigree dogs exposed” first went to air. This report includes 19 key recommendations concerning the health and welfare of the dog.
It is now TIME to let everyone know about the high standard of practices and care that these members are demonstrating. They have well established and efficient systems of science-based practice and although no-one can guarantee the “perfect puppy”, their disclosure of health issues with puppy purchasers and how they demonstrate commitment to the elimination of such diseases will give the buying public confidence when buying a registered pure bred dog.
We consider that existing breeders who are able to demonstrate their commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes with the health and welfare of their dogs when breeding should be recognised as Dogs Queensland Accredited Breeders.
WHAT IS ACCREDITATION?
It is the process by which certification of a competency or credibility is presented (“Wikipedia”).
WHY ACCREDITATION?
As members of Dogs Queensland, our breeders are governed by Rules and Regulations and a Code of Ethics. These Regulations specify the mandatory minimum requirements. Accreditation is about an independent, continuous evaluation of performance against the agreed standards.
We are proposing an accreditation scheme under which, as an existing breeder, you should be able to apply for accreditation with confidence. If you are not yet a breeder, then we are proposing that you will need to find a Mentor. This will be an existing breeder who has obtained accreditation.
Above is an extract taken from the Dogs Queensland website regarding Breeder Accreditation -http://www.dogsqueensland.org.au/default.aspx