Pedigree Dogs Exposed - three years on - is confirmed for Monday 27 February on BBC Four at 9.00-10.00pm
I quote from the BBC website:
In 2008 Pedigree Dogs Exposed lifted the lid on the true extent of the health and welfare problems faced by pedigree dogs in the UK.
The startling exposé of harmful breeding practices generated a massive reaction from the public and from those involved in dog breeding.
Now the programme’s producer Jemima Harrison returns to explore what has happened since she made the original film. Deeply affected by the issues that she uncovered, Jemima has become a campaigner on dog welfare.
In this programme she takes a personal look at the positive changes that have been introduced since the first film and investigates areas of continuing concern, particularly among breeds like the Pug, the Bulldog and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Jemima hears from dog breeders and a range of experts, many of whom express grave worries about the future of some of our best loved breeds.
It's hard to believe three years have already passed since the first documentary. There's a big article in the latest issue saying what everyone hopes will be in it - including a few skeptics who probably thought we wouldn't print their letters. The first one was an enormous wake-up call. I am sure everyone who loves dogs will be watching. I was in the first one very briefly. I'm not in part two, or at least I don't think I am! Wonder who is? Jemima has been keeping it all very hush hush. We know the KC aren't appearing. We'll all have to tune in to find out.
Comments
However, I am heartened by the fact that she will "look at the positive changes that have been introduced since the first film". I hope she does; that she will give them due time and appreciation. After all, isn't the first rule in dog training to reward good behaviour?
I know there's still a long way to go towards the ideal situation, but let's hope that she acknowledges the steps that have been taken so far.
Can't wait to see how it's turned out.
Changes that are possible are for changes in what breeders aim to do, with the tools available to them, to solve problems that have been identified, and for teh Kennnel club to strongly encourage and help with this.
So I do hope we don't get lots of pictures of the same breeds saying look nothing has changed. Wholesale change in physical characteristics that are too exaggerated in soem breeds will take several generations, and it would have made more sense to have a follow up film 10 years from the first.
This one should have concentrated on the huge issue of commercial over production of puppies,and their consequent often all too casual purchase.
These dogs are bred by Licensed and unlicensed breeders, in battery systems totally unsuited to companion animals destined to live in our homes, who don't consider health, temperament or any form of breed standard, and sell to anyone with the money to buy, often naive new owners, many buying on a whim, who have not given serious enough thought to including a dog in their lives.
This then leads onto the issue of lack of long term responsibility and the throw away attitude towards our pets, which has in large part contributed to the rescue crisis.