For Immediate Release
Toronto, May 9, 2016 - The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) was pleased to consult with the BC government on April 26, to develop new animal welfare laws that will assist the BC SPCA in monitoring and taking action against irresponsible breeders.
During the consultation, the BC government confirmed that an Order-in-Council (OIC) was passed on April 22, recognizing the
CVMA’s Code of Practice for Kennel Operations. CKC stressed that select provisions in the CVMA Code of Practice for Canadian Kennel Operations—such as the CVMA position statement on cosmetic surgery and raw food diets—are not indicative of a substandard kennel operation and do not align with
CKC’s Code of Practice for Member Breeders. CKC did express support for standards of care that would be enforceable and would best represent the views of all stakeholders.
CKC assured the BC government that we share the same end goals to abolish puppy mills and penalize irresponsible breeders. We also emphasized that our CKC member breeders are dedicated to the preservation of a particular dog breed and as such, many produce on average, one or two litters a year.
During discussions, CKC raised concerns about a BC government-proposed licensing or registration system and requested clarification for clearly defined terms for “Puppy Mill” and “Commercial Breeder”. We conveyed that licensing and registration may provide an unnecessary burden to our members in terms of cost, duplication and an extra layer of governance, as they must already adhere to the CKC Code of Practice and
Code of Ethics in order to retain membership. We also shared that CKC members who contravene the CKC regulations are subject to the CKC disciplinary process which may affect membership with the Club and an individual’s ability to register purebred dogs with CKC and/or compete in CKC events.
Also under discussion was the BC government’s need for educational and outreach activities that would support the humane treatment of animals. CKC understands the importance of education and community outreach and discussed how initiatives such as the national
CKC Canine Good Neighbour (CGN) program enhance community awareness of responsible dog ownership. We also reiterated that close to 20,000 CKC members serve as national ambassadors, educating new and prospective dog owners about health, training and good citizenship.
As part of the consultation process, the BC government asked CKC to invite our BC members to provide input on the proposed legislation that will assist the BC SPCA in monitoring and taking action against irresponsible breeders.
“I am confident that with the coordinated involvement of our B.C. Directors, the concerns of the CKC will remain in the forefront during ongoing discussions,” said CKC Executive Director Lance Novak.
About Canadian Kennel Club
The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) is the primary registry body for purebred dogs in Canada and currently recognizes 175 breeds. As a non-profit organization, the CKC is dedicated to encouraging, guiding, and advancing the interests of purebred dogs and their responsible owners and breeders in Canada and promoting the knowledge and understanding of the benefits which dogs can bring to Canadian society.
The club includes almost 20,000 individual members and over 700 breed clubs across Canada. The Club registers purebred dogs, regulates dog shows and performance events, and speaks out on major issues concerning dog ownership and the health and welfare of dogs across Canada.
For more information, visit
ckc.ca.
Media Contact:
Sarah McDowell
Marketing Communications Specialist
The Canadian Kennel Club
416-675-5511 x3314
[email protected]