Earlier this month Dogs Trust Malta launched their latest initiative to further improve the welfare of dogs in Malta. The Puppy Plan © seminar held at Borg Cardona & Co Ltd. in Ta’ Qali was attended by almost 70 participants consisting of several breeders and shelter volunteers.
Dr Vitoria Bondin and Ms Fiona A Picton explained in detail the importance of genetics and nutrition in breeding practices to prevent welfare issues for the puppies later on in life. Both emphasised the importance of starting on the right foot, especially when a litter is planned to improve quality of life and reduce incidence of disease.
Ms. Christina Pace introduced the participants to the stages of development of puppies to adulthood which is what The Puppy Plan © is based on and went on to explain week by week the tasks breeders and puppy carers have to carry out to give them the best primary school education possible so they can become the best dogs they can be.
Extracts of a series of video tutorials were also shown. Ms. Miriam Casha, SPCA, highlighted some worrying trends on how irresponsible breeding impacts the rescue organisations.
With 50% of people reporting having bought their dogs in a recent survey held by Dogs Trust, it is clear there is a market for the unscrupulous to make money at the expense of the animals’ welfare with people being cheated out of their money for dogs that are unhealthy, unsociable and do not conform to breed standards in looks, genetics and behaviour.
Mr. Joe Avellino of Allcare Insurance gave an interesting talk about pet insurance and how breeders and shelters can use it to improve the outlook of the dogs they sell and home.
Head of Dogs Trust Malta, Mrs. Sarah De Cesare Dunkerley remarked, “This seminar marks a milestone in the turn around which is soon to take place in animal welfare in Malta. The diverse group of delegates showed a common interest in contributing to the improvement of breeder practices in the country and to join forces to increase the level of responsible breeding across the board.”
The feedback from participants about the seminar was extremely positive and a great opportunity to open a debate about responsible breeding practices and structures. It results that responsible breeders who try their best to produce healthy litters and don’t overwhelm the market often have to contend not only with ‘backyard breeders’ but people who prefer a cheaper puppy from a pet shop or the internet and the lack of public education on the matter.
Dogs Trust Malta said that it is grateful for the contribution of all speakers and participants and for the help of Borg Cardona & Co Ltd and All Care for sponsoring a litter of puppies.
Another follow up seminar will be held in the near future for those who could not attend this event and for those who are already putting The Puppy Plan © into practice.
2014 will mark a shift of focus in educating and informing the public on what information to gather about a dog before buying or adopting and how to continue an effective socialisation programme.
All breeders (ranging from professional breeders to those at home) are encouraged to call the organisation for information and a free pack on the plan. Further information about The Puppy Plan © is available on www.dogtrainingmadeeasy.org [1].