Target: Dr. Neil Hudson, MP and Professor Lord Trees, Co-chairs of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare
Goal: End breeding practices that cause severe health issues in brachycephalic breeds like the English bulldog and pug.
The public’s perception of brachycephalic dogs as “cute” and “infant-like” has led to a troubling increase in demand for breeds like the English bulldog and French bulldog, despite widespread knowledge of the severe health issues they face due to their extreme physical characteristics. With reports indicating that about 70% of English bulldog breeders are unregistered, it is apparent that many individuals prioritize profit over the wellbeing of these animals, contributing to a breeding crisis that prioritizes aesthetics over health. As highlighted by Vicky Collins-Nattrass, the health coordinator for the Bulldog Breed Council, only approximately 30% of bulldogs are registered, leaving a vast majority in unregulated hands where standards are disregarded.
The introduction of the Innate Health Assessment (IHA) by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare is a significant step toward change, but it must become mandatory for all breeders to ensure the health of these vulnerable breeds is prioritized. Currently, the voluntary nature of the IHA leaves too many dogs at risk, perpetuating a cycle of poor breeding practices. The emotional narrative of popular breeds suffering from breathing difficulties, bulging eyes, and painful living conditions due to extreme breeding demands immediate action. These health issues should spur society to redefine standards for dog breeding—prioritizing wellness over aesthetic appeal is crucial for the future of canine companions.
To protect the welfare of animals and ensure that brachycephalic breeds no longer suffer from preventable health conditions, a strict crackdown on unregistered breeders and mandatory health assessments is essential. This petition demands the necessary legal frameworks to end harmful breeding practices, holding breeders accountable and ensuring that the health of dogs is the paramount concern in breeding decisions.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Co-chairs Hudson and Trees,
The alarming continuation of breeding brachycephalic dogs, including the English bulldog and pug, raises significant welfare concerns that cannot be overlooked. These breeds are facing unbearable health issues, including breathing difficulties and deformities, largely resulting from their extreme conformation that has been glamorized by society. As noted by veterinary experts, the trend has led to chronic issues that are in stark contrast to the ideals of responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.
It is deeply troubling to learn that approximately 70% of English bulldog breeders are operating without any registration or oversight. This absence of regulation allows unhealthy breeding practices to proliferate, with pups being produced for mere profit rather than for the health and happiness of the animals. The introduction of the Innate Health Assessment (IHA) presents an opportunity for change, yet its voluntary nature fails to address the urgent need for comprehensive systems that prioritize animal welfare.
In light of these serious concerns, we urge you to advocate for more stringent regulations regarding dog breeding. It is essential that health assessments become mandatory and that unregistered breeders be held accountable for their impact on animal welfare. By ensuring these practices are addressed, we can work towards a future where dogs do not suffer due to extreme physical requirements, thereby promoting healthier and happier lives for all breeds.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
