It's not exactly a secret that there are a number of modern dog breeds out there that come rife with health issues. It's a concern for many animal rights groups seeing as the breeding of these dogs shows no signs of stopping.
Well, they do show signs of stopping in one country. A recent ruling in Norway is set to ban the breeding of English Bulldogs, a major step in ensuring the health of future generations of dogs.
The country has declared the breeding of English Bulldogs to be illegal, essentially banning the breed entirely.
The Oslo District Court said that the continued breeding of British Bulldogs goes against the country’s Animal Welfare Act due to the high rate of health issues bulldogs possess.
Roaldset is a vet who leads the animal rights group Animal Protection Norway, the ones who took this case to court.
They successfully claimed that, once again due to the frequent health issues present in this breed, there are no bulldogs in the country that could be classified as 'healthy' and thus be suitable for breeding.
They also included King Charles spaniels for the same reasons, as selective breeding has caused a number of health concerns with them as well.
Among other conditions, bulldogs are prone to Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome due to their short snouts and wide skull shapes, while King Charles spaniels are more likely to suffer heart defects and joint issues.
The case came about when the organization filed legal actions against the Norwegian Kennel Club, the Norwegian Cavalier Club, the Norwegian Bulldog Club and six different English Bulldog and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeders for violating the Animal Welfare Act.
As Roaldset said, "It is a historic verdict that attracts international attention. The man-made health problems of the bulldog have been known since the early 20th century. But dogs have the right to be bred healthy."
Their other goals include more transparency in the breeding industry, hoping to develop a detailed database for breeders that contains information regarding individual dog health and temperament.
h/t: The Telegraph
