More than 2,500 professional pet breeders, industry leaders and pet supplies vendors attended the Eighth Annual Breeders Educational Conference held Sept. 28-29 in Joplin, Mo., by The Hunte Corp. (Goodman, Mo.). Attendance surpassed the 2006 record of 2,200. 

During the conference, internationally renowned speakers shared information on the latest developments in canine nutrition, genetics, animal health, veterinary medicine, animal care and regulation, and other topics. Speakers included Dr. Carmen Battaglia, president of the American Kennel Club Companion Animal Recovery (New York); Dr. Avi Deshmukh of Royal Canin USA (St. Charles, Mo.); Dr. Sarah Colombini Osborn of Southwest Veterinary Dermatology (Houston); and Dr. Heidi Lobprise of Pfizer Animal Health (New York).

“Professional breeders are the core of the puppy distribution industry,” said Andrew Hunte, founder and chief executive officer of The Hunte Corp. “The future of the puppy industry depends on their ability to continue supplying America’s families with healthy, well-bred puppies raised according to the highest standards of humane animal care.”  

Exhibitors included vendors of pet and veterinary supplies, pet registries such the American Kennel Club (New York), professional state breeder associations, national trade associations, and government agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the State of Missouri.

The ninth annual Breeders Educational Conference will be held Sept. 26-27 at the John Q. Hammons Convention Center in Joplin, Mo. For more information, call 800-829-4155 or visit www.huntecorp.com. [January 2008 PET AGE]