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Comic Relief apologises over French bulldog t-shirt
French bulldog
Figures from the Kennel Club suggest French bulldogs are set to overtake Labradors as the UK’s most popular breed, having seen a surge in popularity in recent years.
Charity says it was ‘unaware’ of brachycephalic issues
 
Comic Relief has apologised for using a brachycephalic breed in its campaign merchandise this year, following a letter from the BVA calling for it to remove products featuring a French bulldog.

Responding to the BVA’s concerns, Comic Relief said it was previously unaware of the issues regarding brachycephalic breeds. The charity pledged to work with the BVA on any future projects using animal imagery.

Comic Relief launched its annual t-shirt fundraising campaign last month, with high street retailer TK Maxx. One of its t-shirts, which features French bulldog ‘Albert’ prompted the BVA to write a letter highlighting the serious and often life-limiting health problems suffered by these breeds.

Acknowledging the good work of Comic Relief, BVA president Gudrun Ravetz explained that demand for brachycephalic breeds is being fuelled by their visibility in the media and celebrity endorsements.

Figures from the Kennel Club suggest French bulldogs are set to overtake Labradors as the UK’s most popular breed, having seen a surge in popularity in recent years.

Ms Ravetz asked Comic Relief to remove the t-shirts and other merchandise containing Albert’s image, and to seek veterinary advice on future campaigns using animal imagery.

The charity responded last week by saying it would be very difficult to withdraw the t-shirts from sale at this late stage in their campaign (which ends 24 March), but it would like to consult the BVA on future campaigns using animal imagery.

Michele Settle, director of UK campaigns and brands, commented: “We take animal welfare very seriously and when using animals in our campaigns we make all efforts to ensure that the animals are treated well. We are not aware of the specific issues you raise regarding brachycephalic breeds.”

Ms Ravetz said the response was “encouraging” but highlights the lack of awareness regarding brachycephalic issues.

“Comic Relief t-shirts help raise so much money for good causes at home and overseas, however we wanted to highlight the poor animal health and welfare being perpetuated by the use of 'Albert' on their merchandise,” she explained.
 
“Whilst we were very pleased to get a positive response, it highlights how many companies do not understand the significant health and welfare problems brachycephalic breeds can suffer, emphasising how important it is that vets continue to speak out on this issue.”

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.