Accurate identification by Microchip, and absolute
certainty of parentage and pedigree, are fundamental to all health
screening tests. Without them all health screening becomes a
lottery, It is far too easy to substitute one dog with another to
pass a health screening test. Trust is a luxury few can afford with
our breeds future health tests, and all pedigree dogs health tests.
We should not be expected to rely on trust for identification and
pedigree accuracy, it is obvious nonsense and totally unacceptable.
People ask me why do I retain so many
males in my Kennel, and why do I only use males in Germany when I
use a male outside of my kennel. The answer is simple, I know my
dogs are who they are, and all their health tests are genuine, I
also know the dogs I use in Germany have compulsory DNA parentage
tests, many for several generations, and tattooing has been
compulsory for many years in Germany and tattoos are checked with
all paperwork prior to health tests. They are also checked at all
Shows, and all breed qualification tests and trials including the
Körung (German breed survey).
Compare that with what happens here
in Great Britain. Any dog can have any British health test without
any proof of identification. The list includes BVA/KC hip & elbow
tests, Haemophilia tests and the existing DNA tests for any disease.
What a joke! There is no requirement or checks at Kennel Club
licensed shows of a dogs tattoo or microchip, they are simply not
required, along with no check of any dogs pedigree or KC
registration prior to being allowed to compete.
Does it take extraordinary
intelligence to be able to understand the absolute need for
compulsory identification and compulsory DNA parentage tests? I
think not! So I ask myself, why is it not introduced by the Kennel
Club? I believe the answer to this question lies in the certain
exposure of the frightening truth about too many pedigree dogs in
too many breeds;
we must make compulsory
identification and compulsory DNA parentage testing our highest
priority for all pedigree dogs here in the United Kingdom.
David Payne - VIDEX GSD
January 2009
Note: American Kennel Club (AKC)
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