Introduction
The Animal Welfare Foundation ( AWF ) is the charity of the British Veterinary Association ( BVA ) and is directed by veterinary and animal welfare professionals . AWF supports the veterinary and animal welfare communities to collectively champion and improve the welfare of animals by funding independent research , providing free educational resources and facilitating debate on controversial topics to better understand health and welfare issues .
AWF is an independent , non-campaigning charity that prides itself on being evidence-led , and on responding to a multitude of welfare issues across multiple species . Its work is directed by a diverse range of perspectives , and its board encompasses knowledge and experience across the animal welfare community , from veterinary surgeons ( VSs ) and veterinary nurses ( VNs ) in practice to animal welfare academics and individuals in industry . AWF recognises the important role of VNs and their contribution to improving the welfare of animals under their care and endeavours to support and empower them in this .
At AWF ' s Discussion Forum in May 2022 , Dr Dan O ' Neill , Associate Professor of Companion Animal Epidemiology at the Royal Veterinary College ( RVC ), and Dr Siobhan Mullan , Chair of Animal Welfare and Veterinary Ethics at University College Dublin ( UCD ), were invited to facilitate a conversation about extreme conformation . This explored whether some breeds were indeed too ' extreme ’ and , if so , what could be done to turn the tide .
The engaging discussion was praised by many delegates as timely , prompting AWF to take the discussion to a wider audience of VNs at BVNA Congress in October – recognising that VNs often lead the way in shaping animal welfare policy in their veterinary practices and are the main point of contact for pet owners regarding welfare advice . VNs often run ‘ puppy parties ’ for new owners and operate clinics for owners struggling with their pet ' s weight . Increasingly , they are also being called on to provide specific care advice to owners of pets that present with extreme conformation traits .
AWF hosted a discussion at the BVNA Congress Fringe in October 2022 , the fourth year it has taken part in the event . The Fringe event explores controversial topics and issues to which VNs are exposed in practice , with animal welfare challenges often falling within this difficult area . At previous events , AWF has arranged debates and discussions on the importation of rescue dogs , pet obesity and canine neutering . In 2022 , the focus fell on extreme conformation in companion animals . This is of particular interest to AWF as issues around extreme conformation connect with the charity ' s current theme : Breeding for Better Welfare .
Background
Extreme conformation is one of the most pressing animal welfare challenges facing companion animal VSs and VNs today . The associated health and welfare issues have received extensive coverage by both the veterinary and wider press , yet , despite these problems being well documented , the demand for pets with extreme conformation continues . This trend has led some members of the veterinary profession to feel they are fighting an uphill battle . In response , AWF facilitated a forum for discussion with those on the front line of the profession , asking : ‘ as the perceived vanguard of animal welfare , how and where can the veterinary community have a positive influence ?’
‘ Extreme conformation is one of the most pressing animal welfare challenges facing companion animal VSs and VNs today ’
Dr Dan O ' Neill at BVNA Congress 2022
AWF ' s session at BVNA Congress 2022 was entitled ‘ Extreme conformation – let ' s give oxygen to nurses ' views ’. The discussion was chaired by Julian Kupfer , AWF Chair of Trustees , with input from Dan O ' Neill , VS and epidemiologist ; Robyn Lowe , RVN , a director of Veterinary Voices UK ; and Lacey Pitcher , RVN , a member of Vet : Stay , Go , Diversify ( VSGD ). The aim was to create a safe space in which to explore the role VNs can play in the extreme conformation crisis and to empower them to have a positive impact .
With over 70 delegates in attendance ( some virtually ), Dan , Robyn and Lacey encouraged participants to share their experiences with each other , including what had worked ( and not worked ) for them when navigating the challenges of extreme conformation .
Volume 38 ( 1 ) • February 2023
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