Action plan calls on public to protect welfare of brachycephalic dogs.

A new national action plan has been launched by the Brachycephalic Working Group (BWG) to reduce the numbers and popularity of dogs with brachycephaly, and help protect the health and welfare of dogs with the condition.

The action plan calls on the public to play their part in protecting the health of brachycephalic dogs and suggests:

1. ‘Stop and think’ if you’re considering getting a flat-faced dog or breeding from a current pet.
2. If you already own a flat-faced dog, help protect their health or welfare by learning to recognise the problems that these breeds can commonly suffer from.
3. If you still plan to buy a flat-faced dog in the future despite awareness of their health and welfare risks, make sure the puppy and its parents have passed all relevant health tests for their breed.

The action plan also advises concerned owners of brachycephalic dogs to consult with their veterinary surgeon, and not to rely on advice found or given on the internet, or on social media. It urges against sharing images of brachycephalic dogs on social media.

BWG has been working for the past seven years to reduce public demand for dogs with brachycephaly.

A BWG spokesperson said: “The new national plan comes at a critical tipping point when growing evidence suggests that the UK dog-buying public may finally be beginning to 'stop and think before buying a flat-faced dog’ as the BWG recommends.”

Dr Justine Shotton, British Veterinary Association senior vice president stressed the importance of the shared responsibility advertisers, owners, breeders and veterinary surgeons have in improving the health and welfare of dogs.

Dr Shotton said: “We’re now calling on dog lovers across the country to play their part, to ‘stop and think’ before buying these breeds of dog and help share the painful truths about the extreme health issues they can suffer.

"Together we have an opportunity to make a real difference to these terrible breed-related welfare problems.”