The Canine Welfare Science Forum held at Purdue University last weekend attracted more than 170 attendees from across the country, including 30 walk-ins who registered the day of the event. The one day program in Stewart Center Saturday, June 9, addressed important aspects of providing a good quality of life for dogs. Registrants came from a dozen different states, including Florida, California, North Carolina, Wyoming, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Missouri, as well as Indiana and neighboring states.
The forum was designed for anyone who is in regular contact with dogs, including dog owners, breeders, veterinarians, kennel professionals, and academics working with or interested in canine welfare science. “To ensure that dogs are afforded a good quality of life and that they meet owner and public expectations as safe, lifelong companions, they must be both physically and behaviorally well,” said Dr. Candace Croney, director of the Purdue University Center for Animal Welfare Science (CAWS), who holds a joint appointment as professor of animal behavior and well-being in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology in the College of Veterinary Medicine and professor of animal sciences in the College of Agriculture. “Genetics impacts both of these key aspects of welfare and therefore must be attended to by those selecting and breeding dogs.”
In addition to genetics, the forum also covered three other areas of canine welfare: nutrition, socialization, and enrichment. Along with Dr. Croney, other speakers included Mark Dunn, senior vice president of the American Kennel Club; Dr. Kari Ekenstedt, assistant professor of anatomy and genetics in PVM’s Department of Basic Medical Sciences; and Dr. Joe Camp, professor of comparative pathobiology in PVM’s Department of Comparative Pathobiology.
Special thanks to the following Canine Welfare Science Forum sponsors: the American Kennel Club, Indiana Council for Animal Welfare, Inc., Illinois Husbandry and Animal Welfare Association, The Family Puppy, Pinnacle Pets, and the Stanton Foundation.