ORGANISATIONS SUPPORTING THE POSITION STATEMENT

Animal welfare charities:

Dogs Trust

Dogs Trust, formally known as the National Canine Defence League (NCDL), is the UK′s largest dog welfare charity. Established in 1891 to protect dogs from torture, cruelty or ill usage of any kind, we have long campaigned to improve the welfare of man’s best friend.

Dogs Trust has a network of eighteen rehoming centres across the UK and Ireland, which care for over 16,000 dogs every year. We believe that no healthy dog should ever be destroyed and that all dogs should be protected, wanted, suitably homed for life and cared for by responsible owners. Dogs that cannot be rehomed will always have a home at our rehoming centres. Dogs Trust has a non-destruction policy, and will never put a healthy dog to sleep.

Dogs Trust also invests significant resources in education and the promotion of responsible dog ownership and we work internationally to promote dog welfare issues.

The charity is well known for its slogan "A Dog Is For Life, Not Just For Christmas®" and is working towards the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction. Our website is www.dogstrust.org.uk and we can be contacted on: 020 7837 0006.

RSPCA

The RSPCA is the oldest and best-known animal welfare organisation. Our vision is to create a world in which all humans respect and live in harmony with other animals. Our mission is to prevent cruelty, alleviate suffering and promote kindness. Two of our goals in relation to companion animal welfare are to ensure responsible pet ownership and to ensure high welfare in human interaction with animals. We are committed to eliminating harsh or inappropriate methods of animal training. Our website is www.rspca.org.uk

Wood Green

Wood Green Animal Shelters takes in thousands of lost and unwanted animals, and provides them with shelter and care until we can find them secure and loving new homes. We provide pet owners with advice, support and guidance and aim to increase the public’s awareness of its responsibilities towards animals in society.

For further information about Wood Green Animal Shelters visit www.woodgreen.org.uk

WSPA

The World Society for the Protection of Animals is the world's largest alliance of humane societies and animal protection organisations, representing over 1000 member societies in more than 150 countries. Through direct field work, campaigning, legislative work and education, WSPA strives to create a world where animal welfare matters and animal cruelty ends.

The Blue Dog

The objects of the BLUE DOG TRUST are to promote the education of children in their relationships with dogs by:

1. Sponsoring research
2. Producing, promoting and distributing educational materials

Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare

Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare is one of the most diverse animal welfare charities in the UK. It has been serving the South East of England for over 50 years and has built a reputation for excellence. The 50 acre site in Ringmer near Lewes, East Sussex houses up to 1500 animals, birds and reptiles at any one time whilst also dealing with wildlife rehabilitation.

Domestic pet animals are found loving new homes whilst equines, parrots, tortoise and terrapins are given sanctuary for the rest of their lives. The Centre is open to visitors 362 days of the year 10am - 4pm and is free to enter. Funded entirely through the generosity of public donations, Raystede currently spends in excess of £4,400 every single day to run vital services to both animals and people. Raystede receives neither Government or Lottery funding.

Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB) Accreditation Ltd

The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB) Accreditation Ltd is the leading professional society in the United Kingdom for the study of animal behaviour. The Society recognises that the general public and others seek professional advice about the behavioural problems of animals. Certification, which is administered by the ASAB Accreditation Committee, is the means by which ASAB demonstrates to the public and to other professions, such as veterinarians, that certain individuals meet the educational, experiential and ethical standards required by the Society of a professional clinical animal behaviourist.

The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC)

The APBC, founded in 1989, represents a network of behaviour counsellors, working on veterinary referral, who have achieved the highest proven academic and practical standards available in the field of companion animal behavioural therapy. APBC members abide by a strict code of conduct and continually develop their professional knowledge in the light of new research so that clients and the veterinary surgeons who refer to them can be assured they receive the most up to date expert advice. The APBC continues to promote the practice of pet behaviour therapy to improve the welfare of all companion animals.

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers, UK (APDT, UK)

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers is a non profit making established organisation, founded by John Fisher a renowned canine behaviourist. The objectives of the Association are four fold:

• To promote and encourage kind, fair and effective methods of dog training for the benefit of dogs, their owners and the general public
• To establish and maintain standards for the practice of dog training
• To advise and inform the Veterinary profession and members of the public who seek dog training
• To further the understanding and advancement of good practice among members

In an industry where dog training is not regulated, choosing to train with an APDT member gives the pet owner the assurance of a quality standard. Potential members undergo a robust professional assessment at the APDT’s assessment centres. On passing the assessment and signing to abide by the Association’s strict Code of Practice, details are entered on the Association’s trainer register, on its website.

Companion Animal Behaviour Therapy Study Group

The Companion Animal Behaviour Therapy Study Group (CABTSG), whose membership includes Veterinary Surgeons, Veterinary Nurses, Psychologists, Trainers and Students is affiliated to the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) and exists to encourage development of, research into and promote the understanding of Veterinary Behaviour.

The UK Registry of Canine Behaviourists

The UKRCB Ltd. comprises a nation-wide network of professional canine behaviour advisors who offer a comprehensive referral service to Veterinary Surgeons and their clients for owners of dogs with behavioural problems. All members of the UKRCB Ltrd. are experienced hands-on dog trainers with proven track records in modern, kind training methods and assessment of behavioural problems. The high educational and practical standards set by the UKRCB Ltd. are maintained by a continuing commitment to ongoing professional development, as well as Student Members, Provisional Members and Full Members abiding by a strict Code of Ethics and Constitution.

USA Organisations

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB)

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) is a group of veterinarians and research professionals who share an interest in understanding behavior in animals. Founded in 1976, AVSAB is committed to improving the quality of life of all animals and strengthening the bond between animals and their owners. AVSAB members enjoy access to quarterly electronic newsletters containing animal behavior case reports, listings of upcoming behavior continuing education opportunities, behavior book reviews, advertisements for positions in behavioral medicine and much more; exclusive listserv access providing the opportunity to network and exchange information with veterinarians, veterinary students, veterinary behaviorists, and applied animal behaviorists in an open forum; and reduced cost of registration and proceedings for the annual AVSAB Scientific Meeting, which offers members a unique educational opportunity with cutting edge lectures and poster sessions as well as the chance to personally interact with a wide range of professionals within the field.

Continental European Organisations