Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 25th August 2023
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Which? magazine to stop using flat-faced dog images
The BVA believes that continued use of these images may contribute to the normalisation of flat-faced breeds.
The consumer magazine responded to BVA’s concerns.

Which? magazine has pledged to stop using images of brachycephalic dogs in their publications, following discussion with the British Veterinary Association (BVA).

The calls came after the BVA discovered that the August edition of the consumer magazine would feature a French bulldog on its front cover.

The popularity of flat-faced dogs such as French bulldogs has caused concern with many veterinary groups, due to the serious health conditions associated with brachycephalic breeds.

The BVA believes that continued use of these images may contribute to the normalisation of flat-faced breeds.

The veterinary association contacted the publication with these concerns, and received a positive response from the magazine editor.

The editor confirmed that the magazine would avoid using images of flat-faced dogs in future issues, and would circulate a best-practice guide on pet image use in advertising with their picture and design team.

BVA president Malcolm Morley said: “We are pleased to receive such a positive and constructive response from the editor on this issue, which we know is a serious concern for our members. There has been a huge growth in the popularity of flat-faced dogs in recent years, fuelled by social media and celebrities, and their use by big brands or advertisers only serves to further normalise the health and welfare issues these breeds are prone to.

“Which? joins brands such as Comic Relief, Heinz, HSBC [and] Costa Coffee that have pledged to avoid imagery of brachycephalic breeds and to consider the health problems endemic to these in-fashion poster pets in the future.”

The BVA is encouraging veterinary professionals and members of the public to use their #BreedtoBreathe and #PetsinAds templates to ask organisations to stop using images of flat-faced breeds and follow their guidance on the responsible use of pets in imagery.

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.