I hope everyone has seen the excellent letter/statement written by Dr Bruce Robertson to Mr Doug Ford in regard to the proposed Victorian Legislation.  http://www.vca.org.au/index.asp

I am hoping that his statement is heard loud and clear and fully understood by the politicians. 

I do find it ironic that Dr Robertson's statement is exactly the sentiments many of us have tried to express in regard to the documentation and implementation of ACES. 

• e.g. ANKC has the power to insist on an `unaffected' test report as a prerequisite to litter registration.

 It appears now Dr Robertson understands why the ACES documentation is so horrific as at the end of his Statement he says " Those responsible for enacting animal welfare law would see the sense in allowing the dog breeding industry to be proactive and self-regulating….as it has both the capacity and willingness to do so". Of course I would like to see that ACES sees "…  the sense in allowing the dog breeding industry to be proactive and self-regulating….as it has both the capacity and willingness to do so"  too.    Maybe there is hope?

ANY scheme/system/legislation that tries to impose restrictions or forces us into certain positions or indeed insists we risk reducing diversity within our breeds, and possibly even spelling the demise of certain breeds - especially when we do not know the total genetic inheritance of the disease involved ,- should be totally rejected. 

We would all agree, I think, that testing for genetic problems where possible should be fully embraced. After that, I believe it is the breeder's responsibility to use that information wisely.

It would be great if we can get all these problems sorted so we can get back to being what we want to be – dog breeders, not lobbyists.

Thank you Dr Robertson for writing to Mr Ford in support of breeders.

Mim