The Kennel Club is expressing the concerns of dog breeders by writing to the BBC about a planned programme titled ‘Will My Puppies Make Me Rich?’
The proposed programme has been commissioned by BBC Three and is currently in production. However, it has been accused of glamorising the breeding of dogs for all the wrong reasons, and an online petition against it is rapidly growing traction.
The RSPCA is another organisation calling out the programme, particularly for describing dog breeding as an ‘ambitious’ business venture that might be undertaken in the wake of covid-19.
The BBC denies that the programme reflects badly on dog breeding, saying: “This observational documentary does not glamorise dog breeding, it responsibly examines the growing rise of young people entering the business and highlights the importance of good animal welfare, training and licensing.
“The production team are working closely with animal experts throughout to inform the audience of what constitutes good and bad practice.”
A spokesman added that the title ‘Will My Puppies Make Me Rich’ was a working title and would be changed before the programme aired.
Bill Lambert, head of health and welfare at the Kennel Club, said: “The Kennel Club, alongside many other animal welfare charities, veterinary groups, academic organisations and sector bodies, has serious concerns about the planned programme ‘Will My Puppies Make Me Rich’, which we understand has been commissioned by BBC Three.
“The sector has written a joint letter to the BBC programme controllers and commissioners to voice the worries of the group about the premise of the programme, which is felt to be irresponsible and could glamorise puppy breeding as a ‘get rich quick’ scheme when the reality of responsible dog breeding couldn’t be further from the truth.”
“The Kennel Club will also be independently contacting the producers to express our and the dog breeding community’s concerns.”
The petition calling for a ban on the programme was started by Beth Boyd on Change.org and currently has over 60,000 signatories.
Beth said: “There are thousands of dogs in shelters needing homes, we do not need a program that promotes breeding and selling puppies as a get-rich quick scheme or a career.”
