TV3 DIGS DEEP TO UNCOVER THE HORRIFIC TREATMENT INFLICTED ON PEDIGREE DOGS IN THE PURSUIT OF PEDIGRE

TV3 GROUP NEWS RELEASE IMMEDIATE: Friday 15th May 2009

TV3 DIGS DEEP TO UNCOVER THE HORRIFIC TREATMENT INFLICTED ON PEDIGREE DOGS IN THE PURSUIT OF PEDIGREE PERFECTION

TV3’s PEDIGREE DOGS: THE SHOCKING TRUTH is a horrifying documentary that reveals the suffering that occurs because of exaggerated physical traits bred into dogs by breeders chasing rosettes

Dogs suffering from genetic illness are not prevented from competing in dog shows and have gone on to win "best in breed" despite their poor health….are the kennel clubs to blame?

Tune in to TV3 on Monday 18th May at 9pm for PEDIGREE DOGS: THE SHOCKING TRUTH. TV3’s Midday will also be covering the subject on Monday’s show with presenters Alan Cantwell and Collette Fitzpatrick discussing the controversial topic with experts and taking your views and opinions

A pug gasps for breath, his face so flat he damages his eyes if he bumps into things; a cavalier King Charles spaniel writhes in agony and must be put to sleep to end its pain; a distraught owner holds his beloved boxer who is having uncontrollable fits...

This shocking documentary shows that Pedigree dogs are suffering acute problems because looks are emphasised over health when breeding dogs for shows. These poor animals are suffering from genetic diseases following years of inbreeding, an investigation has found.

The Kennel Club says it works tirelessly to improve the health of pedigree dogs. PEDIGREE DOGS: THE SHOCKING TRUTH say dogs suffering from genetic illness are not prevented from competing in dog shows and have gone on to win "best in breed", despite their poor health. It says physical traits required by the Kennel Club's breed standards, such as short faces, wrinkling, screw-tails and dwarfism, have inherent health problems. Other problems occur because of exaggerated physical traits bred into dogs by breeders trying to win rosettes.

This eye opening documentary shows a prize-winning cavalier King Charles spaniel suffering from syringomyelia, a condition which occurs when a dog's skull is too small for its brain. It features boxers suffering from epilepsy, pugs with breathing problems and bulldogs who are unable to mate or give birth unassisted. It also says deliberate mating of dogs which are close relatives is common practice and the Kennel Club registers dogs bred from mother-to-son and brother-to-sister matings.

RSPCA chief vet Mark Evans was interviewed for the programme. Mark Evans said: "The welfare and quality of life of many pedigree dogs is seriously compromised by established breeding practices for appearance, driven primarily by the rules and requirements of competitive dog showing and pedigree dog registration."

TV3 Director of programming, Ben Frow said: “Everyone who owns, or is thinking of owning, a dog should watch this programme to see the appalling practices that exist within the pedigree dog world”

PEDIGREE DOGS: THE SHOCKING TRUTH, Monday 18th May at 9pm on TV3.

ENDS.

For further information:
Maureen Catterson
TV3 PRESS OFFICE
+353 1 419 3430
Maureen.catterson@tv3.ie; publicity@tv3.ie
www.tv3.ie