After last year's bad press, and the ensuing BBC investigative documentary, Pedigree Dogs Exposed the show this year promises "healthy and happy, fit for function" dogs.
Not just "show" (conformation) dogs but a variety of other dogs who work will be taking part in fly ball, agility, jumping competitions with presentations and demonstrations by Police Dogs, Friends For Life and various others.
This year, a warning went out to breed clubs that there will be extra checks to ensure dogs have not been cosmetically altered for the show ring.
I'm not jumping on the PETA bandwagon here. I show my own dogs and breed them.
I am concerned with the ethics demonstrated by some of the breeders and exhibitors and with the kennel clubs turning a blind eye to their own rules and regulations governing the show ring.
"Although the rules do not specifically ban the use of cosmetics on dogs, they do forbid anything that alters an animal's appearance for the show ring."
Am I missing something here--?
BAN: to prohibit especially by legal means, also : to prohibit the use, ...
FORBID:: to proscribe from or as if from the position of one in authority : command against.
Anyone who is familiar with the conformation show ring knows the practice of 'tweaking' a dog's appearance has become far too acceptable at shows.
I can't ever remember hearing of a dog being disqualified for cosmetic alteration of its appearance.
If you have, please enlighten me.
From applying eyeliner to dye jobs to the more involving surgical procedures such as correcting a dog's tail carriage by nicking the tendons or the implantation of 'nuticles.'
While there are pet owners who want testicles in their dog's empty scrotum after the dog has been neutered, it's NOT acceptable in the conformation ring!http://greatreporter.com/mambo/content/view/1526/16/
One of the big companies that offers a white chalk for dog's coats states right on their site the "Dry white chalk in block form may be used for the cleaning but must be removed from the coat before the dog enters the ring."
Take a look at the selection this company offers then consider who exactly would be using these products:
Winners Circle . . .hmm. Does the name imply something? Just when would a companion or pet dog have whitening powder applied to its coat?
Perhaps before meeting his doggy friends at the park for a play?
Would a conscientious owner stop to apply ear weight to hold their dog's ears down before heading out to the beach on a windy day?
(guess I should try that product on my girl on windy days!)
How the officials are planning to carry out these 'spot checks' is not made clear. Will they be lurking in the grooming area? Will they go over each dog at ringside before it enters the ring to be judged?
Will the exhibitors who are found guilty be disciplined?
Will they be asked to leave with their cosmetically-enhanced dog?
I think not.
Unfortunately, I believe the threat of extra checks or any checks for that matter, will remain quietly on paper.
Unfortunately, I believe the threat of extra checks or any checks for that matter, will remain quietly on paper.
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