As you are aware, Champdogs does not allow petitions to be posted on the forum normally. However, with our own drive to promote responsible breeding practises and to educate and encourage breeders to health test their breeding stock prior to breeding - we will make an exception on this occasion :)

Received:

" A very important seminar is to take place in May 2010 & we are trying to get the Kennel Club to enforce DNA testing of all Staffordshire Bull Terrier's for L2-HGA and HC1 prior to mating and as a condition of litter registration. We have set up a petition that we have crossposted in as many avenues as we can and are sending it to all email contacts. We are highlighting the petition world wide to gain support, as we have a numbers of international breeders who import puppies & semen into the UK too.

We hope to alert as many breeders and owners as possible and whom may not know what is going on. We hope to educate those that have no idea of these particular conditions and inturn protect our breed for the future.

Champdogs is an advocate of health tests in a number of breeds and we would appreciate it if you can help us reach a wider audience and help all those wishing to buy a sound healthy SBT in the future then we as a breed, would be most greatful to you. "

Here is the link :

http://www.gopetition.co.uk/online/34001.html

I 100% agree that health testing should be mandatory when wanting to breed dogs for sale. By having tests done it will ensure the general public are getting the best healthiest pups available.

Sorry for my ignorance but what does L2 HGA & HC1 stand for ?

HC = Hereditary Cataracts

L-2-HGA = L-2-Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria

Thank you Admin for putting this on :)  (If there was a thumbs up thingy I'd do it!)

Well done champdogs!!!!

Some of the staffordshire bull terrier community has played a massive part in trying to push the message forward with regard to the importance of the health tests by selling car stickers etc and ploughing the money back into the Animal health Trust (AHT). There is no need in this day and age to breed an L2 or HC affected puppy. Now all we have to do is get the message over to pet people who maybe arent aware of the conditions and to also show the KC how seriously we take the health of our breed by pushing for compulsory testing. After all there are some breeds where the KC states that mandatory testing is required before registration is permitted

Thanks to all at Champdogs for taking this positive & supportive stance.
If anyone needs any info at all then Lel, Tracey, myself & a couple of others will be popping on as much as we can, so ask away.

Please check Champdogs Diary as the full details for the seminar should be there, all are welcome.

Paddy.

Thanks for the seminar link Paddy