Veterinarians, a vet Institute and animal rights activists are calling for a ban on breeding French Bulldogs, pugs, and other flat-faced dogs and cats due to the health conditions that cause lifelong suffering for the animals.
Vets and activists call for ban on flat-faced dogs and cats
The Veterinarian Institute for Animal Ethics president is just one of the many animal rights activist groups coming together to call for a ban on the breeding of flat-faced dogs and cats, arguing that the animals shouldn’t be intentionally bred to suffer.
“Breeding flat-faced dogs and cats is responsible for animal suffering that is entirely preventable and should be banned in animal welfare legislation,” says Doctor Rosemary Elliott, a veterinarian and president of sentiment, a veterinary Institute for animal ethics, the Daily Mail reported.
“These animals suffer gross physical deformities that make everyday life unbearably stressful,” Dr. Elliott argues. “We wouldn’t intentionally bring into the world, regardless of species, individuals who will suffer to the extent that many of these animals suffer.”
The healthcare costs for such breeds can be astronomical too.
For example, an owner of one French bulldog has spent $200,000 on surgeries over the five years of owning the dog.
Activists want to ban the breeding of bulldogs, spaniels, pugs, terriers, Persian cats, and others
Among the most concerning health impacts of flat-faced animals is Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). The condition affects the animal’s ability to breathe, sleep, exercise, thermoregulate, among other factors. The condition is prevalent in breeds such as the French bulldog, Cavalier King Charles spaniel, pug, Boston Terrier, and British bulldog.
“Most notably, because of their popularity, bulldogs and Persian cats” are among the breeds that suffer the most, Dr. Elliott pointed out. “These animals, their basic existence is one of suffering.”
Among the dog breeds that characteristically have flat faces are French Bulldogs, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, pugs, Boston Terriers, British Bulldogs, and others. Cat breeds such as Persians, the Scottish fold cat, the exotic shorthair cat, and others are noted for their shallow muzzles.
Activists argue that most of these flat-faced dogs and flat-faced cats have been bred to look “cute,” but it leads to a life of suffering for the animal.
Vets want to see longer muzzles bred back into dogs and cats
One group calling for changes is the Australian Veterinary Association. These doctors advocate a ban on any dog with a muzzle length less than a third of its skull length. Further, they want a ban on breeding such dogs or from being shown in competitions.
Overall, the vets want to see changes made in requirements to convince animal breeding professionals to put the health and welfare of the animals before their appearance.
“These dogs, with their child-like personalities, have so much to give to the world and happiness to their owners,” said veterinarian Dr. Sam Kovach of Sydney. “I do support modifying breed standards to make a healthier Frenchie that needs less vet visits.”
“The immense popularity of these breeds show that they are here to stay, but some gentle artificial selection methods could see a healthier breed in a few generations’ time,” Doctor Kovac said. “There are some inspiring breeders who are at the forefront of lengthening the nose of the breed through selective breeding.”
