Companion Animals

Companion Animal Breeding Reform

Reform of companion animal breeding practices is urgently needed to address health problems created by extreme physical characteristics and irresponsible breeding without health testing.

Key Facts

Brachycephalic dogs including bulldogs, pugs and French bulldogs face serious respiratory problems
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have high rates of syringomyelia affecting a majority of dogs
Health testing before breeding can significantly reduce inherited disease rates
Puppy farms prioritise profit over welfare, often selling sick puppies through third parties
Lucy's Law banning third-party puppy sales came into effect in England in 2020

Welfare Considerations

Companion animal breeding reform requires both regulatory action and consumer education. The demand for flat-faced breeds despite documented welfare problems reflects a gap between consumer preferences and welfare awareness. Veterinarians have an important role in advising clients against purchasing breeds with known welfare problems.

What You Can Do

Research breed health carefully before getting any dog or cat
Choose breeders who health test and prioritise welfare over appearance extremes
Support Lucy's Law and similar third-party sales bans in other countries