THE IRISH SETTER BREEDERS CLUB

IRISH SETTER RESCUE SCHEME

Founded in 1970 and administered as a sub Committee of the Irish Setter Breeders Club

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When the Scheme first started in 1970, it was asked by the Public to re-home a large number of undisciplined youngsters, probably bought on impulse and later regretted. The late seventies and early eighties were extremely busy years, and homes that were not only caring, but also knowledgeable and responsible were difficult to find.

By 1995 the number of dogs entering the Scheme had started to decline and offers of homes came from people who had owned a setter before, often from trusted past rescue owners.  Over the years the age of dogs presented to the Scheme had increased, the majority now being over six years old. Elderly dogs bring their own problems, few people however kind, are prepared to put themselves through the trauma of another pet dying within two or three years, and this limits the homes available. The breakdown of a relationship is the main reason why people part with a pet, and when there is stress within a home there is usually a degree of neglect. This manifests itself mainly in lack of condition and poor coat care, but increasingly health problems that should have received veterinary care some time ago have to be dealt with by the Scheme.

The Suzanne Foyle Continued Care Fund had been established in 1994, in memory of a member devoted to her Irish Setters. The Fund helps to pay the veterinary fees for those dogs too old to insure, or that enter the Scheme with a known long term problem. Such help is essential because people who are prepared to care for the elderly or sick dog are often retired, and without the safety net of insurance cannot afford veterinary fees.

The reduction in rescue figures has probably come about because only the dedicated are buying puppies. In real terms the price of puppies has not risen, but the public perception is that it has escalated, and an increasingly anti-dog society has brought an added awareness of the responsibilities of dog ownership. Veterinary fees have increased, but in the main this has provided better-equipped operating theatres and diagnostic facilities. What value society will place on the companion dog in the future remains to be seen.  A computerized, grid locked world with falling standards, does not hold out much hope for the welfare of large active breeds, and I believe the need for rehabilitation will remain.

Barbara Rogers.

Rescue Scheme Secretary.

rescue@isbc.org.uk