From Cindy Beckford
THE nightly classified advert by the JSPCA featured in the JEP has irked me for ages, even though its intentions are solid.

In view of the recent negative exposure dog owners have experienced, I would like to bring to the attention of any prospective dog owner my view of the facts.

Any breeder can register with the Kennel Club and be placed on their list as ‘reputable’. No checks are ever made as to just how reputable these breeders are by the Kennel Club. This failing is one mentioned by the Bateson report as an area that needs improvement (commissioned by the author of Pedigree Dogs Exposed).

While I applaud the JSPCA for their efforts in promoting responsible dog ownership, they need to look further at the merit of the aforementioned piece of advice. Just as the rehoming of a much-loved dog is not the same as a rescue of a mentally or physically abused dog, there is a huge difference between purchasing a dog from a ‘reputable’ breeder and a responsible breeder.

Most people put more effort and research into buying a car or TV than they do in bringing a potentially lethal animal into their home, and this is not all the dog’s fault. It is not just big dogs that can cause damage or disruption. Many dogs need a new home through no fault of their own and are sound in temperament.

If people want a good idea of what they are getting, then speak to people who own the breed you are interested in. Speak to the breed associations or the local vet, who will both know of someone in your area who will have the practical knowledge of living with the breed, either as a pet or doing the job for which it was bred.

The reputable breeder is the one who will probably have no puppies available, as they do not breed unless they have a list of properly vetted homes waiting for their puppies.

While I also admire all animal rescue centres, the sheer variety of breeds they get in makes it almost impossible for them to be experts in every single breed around.

The breed clubs and associations will have a branch dealing with rehoming and rescue who will consist of experienced handlers as, after all, if you can afford to breed, you can afford to rescue.

We all need to remember that while money can buy you a fine dog, only love can make its tail wag.