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: 11th March 2024
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

Charities criticise flat-faced dog’s Crufts win
RSPCA says the dog's short muzzle and pinched nostrils would cause it suffering.
A French bulldog won in the Utility Group.

Leading dog charities have criticised Crufts, after it awarded a French bulldog, known as Elton, first place in the Utility Group 2024.

The charities, Blue Cross and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), took to the social media platform X to condemn the win, with Blue Cross warning it would ‘glamourise’ extreme breeding.

RSPCA also drew attention to the French bulldog’s exaggerated features, mentioning his short muzzle and pinched nostrils. It said that those traits could cause a dog suffering.

It says that, as well as breathing difficulties, dogs resulting from extreme breeding can suffer from skin, dental, spinal, brain and eye problems.

RSPCA has launched its 'Born to Suffer' campaign, encouraging supporters to pledge online against extreme breeding.

Dr Samantha Gaines, RSPCA dog welfare experts, said: “We are hugely disappointed that a French bulldog with an extremely short muzzle and pinched nostrils has been awarded Best in Breed at Crufts on Thursday.

“The breed standard states these dogs should have a well-defined muzzle and wide open nostrils, so awarding Best of Breed and Group as well as allowing this dog to compete for Best in Show sends completely the wrong message.”

However, Crufts Kennel Club has said that the French bulldog had passed all relevant veterinary health assessments. It said that the health and welfare of dogs is a priority.

Charlotte McNamara, head of health at The Kennel Club, said: “He has a grade 0 score on The Kennel Club/University of Cambridge breathing assessment that was carried out prior to the show - and which from Crufts 2025 will be mandatory for all French bulldogs, pugs and bulldogs before they compete - meaning he is clinically unaffected by brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). 
 
“Elton has also passed the show vet check, which is given to all dogs before group judging, and to some breed winners to ensure there are no visible signs of health concerns.”

Image © Shutterstock

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

Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.