Welfare campaigners are winning the battle for better care of dogs but there is still a lot of work to be done, claims a top vet.

In his presidential address to the British Veterinary Association’s annual congress in Liverpool, Carl Padgett said his organization had worked hard to put dog welfare at the forefront of the pet community’s mind.

“On dog breeding, microchipping, dangerous dogs legislation, and dog welfare more generally the BVA have been at the forefront of discussions in Westminster.

“Each part of the UK is progressing at different speeds and it’s a juggling act to keep on top of the myriad consultations and debates. But dogs are not just something we talk about; we also seek to find practical solutions.

“In March the BVA and Kennel Club’s Canine Health Schemes launched the Syringomyelia scheme at Crufts – a screening programme to reduce and ultimately eradicate the terrible disease that provided the enduring images of suffering in 2008’s Pedigree Dogs Exposed.

“And in April we supported the Animal Welfare Foundation and RSPCA’s Puppy Contract and Puppy Information Pack – designed to give puppy purchasers the tools they need to ensure they are buying a healthy, happy dog.

“There’s always more to be done but we were proud to be recognised by the Associate Parliamentary Group on Animal Welfare as one of five ‘key leaders in acting on dog breeding’ and we will continue to work with APGAW and the many stakeholders in the canine world to ensure the best outcome for dogs and their owners.”