Assured Breeder Scheme: Evolution and Closure of the Kennel Club Initiative
The Assured Breeder Scheme (ABS) was established to provide a framework for responsible dog breeding, helping potential owners identify breeders who adhered to specific standards. Launched in 2004 as the Accredited Breeder Scheme before being renamed, the program aimed to elevate the quality of pedigree dogs through inspections and guidelines.
Over its two-decade lifespan, the scheme evolved from a basic registration list to a more structured system. To maintain standards, the Kennel Club recruited regional advisors to inspect breeders' premises and review paperwork. By January 2010, the organization began introducing breed-specific recommendations following consultations with various breed clubs to address the unique needs of different dog types.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Launch: Established in 2004 (originally as the Accredited Breeder Scheme).
- Accreditation: Secured recognition from the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) in April 2013.
- Reach: At the time of its review, the scheme covered only 5% of puppies registered with The Kennel Club.
- Closure Date: The scheme will officially close on December 31, 2024.
- Successor: Principles will be integrated into a new registration model focusing on inclusivity and health testing.
Criticisms and Challenges
Despite its intentions, the ABS faced significant scrutiny from animal welfare organizations. The Dogs Trust described the scheme as being "full of pitfalls," specifically criticizing its self-certificating nature—a process where breeders essentially certify their own compliance.
A report from the Associate Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare expressed concern that low breeding standards among some ABS members could mislead the public. The report suggested that buyers might falsely assume a puppy from an ABS breeder would be free of health or welfare issues. It called for more robust enforcement, random checks, and a stricter link between the term "pedigree" and high health and welfare standards.
These criticisms were echoed by Jemima Harrison, producer of Pedigree Dogs Exposed, who claimed The Kennel Club downplayed these findings and misrepresented the report's conclusions in their official response.
The Path to UKAS Accreditation
In response to calls for higher standards—including recommendations from Prof. Sir Patrick Bateson's Independent Inquiry into Dog Breeding—the ABS sought formal accreditation. In April 2013, the scheme achieved recognition from the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), the national body for the accreditation of certification bodies.
To meet UKAS requirements, the Kennel Club implemented stricter inspection protocols. All new members were required to undergo premises inspections, and existing members were mandated to be checked within a three-year window.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Decision to Close the ABS
In 2024, The Kennel Club announced that the Assured Breeder Scheme would close by the end of the year. This decision followed a comprehensive two-year review of breeder registration practices and extensive consultation with the breeding community.
The review revealed that the ABS had limited impact, accounting for only 5% of registered puppies. High barriers to entry, such as membership fees, were cited as primary reasons for the low participation rate. Bill Lambert, Health and Breeder Services Executive at The Kennel Club, stated that a more inclusive approach was necessary to address welfare issues at scale and support all breeders regardless of experience.
Transition to a New Model
The Kennel Club intends to replace the ABS with a new registration model. This upcoming system will focus on:
- Incentivizing good breeding practices.
- Promoting rigorous health testing.
- Increasing the accessibility of educational resources for both breeders and buyers.
- Directing breeders toward supportive platforms like My Licensed Breeder for compliance guidance.
| Year | Event/Milestone | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Launch | Established as the Accredited Breeder Scheme. |
| 2010 | Breed-Specific Updates | Added recommendations based on breed club consultations. |
| 2013 | UKAS Accreditation | Implemented mandatory premises inspections for members. |
| 2024 | Closure Announcement | Scheme to end Dec 31, 2024, to make way for a new model. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Assured Breeder Scheme closing?
The scheme is closing because it only reached 5% of registered puppies and had high barriers to entry, such as membership fees. The Kennel Club aims to move toward a more inclusive model that supports all breeders and addresses welfare issues on a larger scale.
What was the main criticism of the ABS?
Critics, including the Dogs Trust and the Associate Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare, argued that the scheme was too reliant on self-certification and that it could mislead the public into believing all ABS puppies were free of health and welfare problems.
What is UKAS accreditation?
UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) is the national body that assesses organizations to ensure they are competent to perform specific tasks. For the ABS, this meant implementing stricter, mandatory inspections of breeders' premises.
What will happen after December 31, 2024?
The ABS will officially cease operations. The Kennel Club will introduce a new registration model that integrates ABS principles, promotes health testing, and provides more accessible educational resources for breeders and puppy buyers.
How can breeders find support during this transition?
The Kennel Club is signposting breeders to additional resources and platforms, such as My Licensed Breeder, which provides tools and guidance to help breeders maintain compliance and responsible practices.