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Lockdown sees surge in online searches for French bulldogs
Brachycephalic dog breeds are already facing a serious health and welfare crisis.

Rise prompts Brachycephalic Working Group to issue warning to potential buyers of 'flat-faced' breeds. 

New figures released by the Kennel Club show the demand for French bulldogs surged dramatically during the coronavirus lockdown.

According to the data, searches for the breed on the Kennel Club's website increased by 225 per cent during April and May 2020, when many people were at home, compared to the same time last year.

Furthermore, according to the latest 2020 registration data, the French Bulldog is once again the UK’s top dog, with the highest puppy registrations of any breed from January to March 2020.

The figures are so bleak that they have promoted the Brachycephalic Working Group (BWG) to issue a warning about the increased demand.

The group, which includes vets, rescue organisations, breeders and scientists, says the demand could worsen the already serious health and welfare crisis faced by brachycephalic breeds. It  is urging the public to ‘stop and think before buying a flat-faced dog'.

BWG chair Dan O’Neill commented: “We are concerned that some puppy buyers might not be fully considering or be aware of, the long-term responsibility and commitment that comes with getting a dog, especially a flat-faced dog.

“It’s vital that people stop and think. Getting a flat-faced puppy without being aware of the potential health and welfare issues they might face, especially if they are bred indiscriminately to meet demand, will have a devastating and long-lasting impact for thousands of dogs and owners in the UK.”

The impact of sudden and large increased population sizes is such a concern for researchers that the BWG has previously published a joint statement on this risk for dogs, alongside guidance on what can be done to help, on their website.

Dr O’Neill continued: “Rather than making an impulsive decision, or choosing a dog because it seems popular, cute or fashionable, we urge anyone considering buying a flat-faced breed to do their research first. It is true that some flat-faced breeds often have lovely characters, but do you really want to contribute to a welfare crisis where thousands of puppies are bred in appalling circumstances just to satisfy the huge demand for these breeds?

“Our message could not be clearer: Stop and think before buying a flat-faced breed.” 

Image (C) Rachel Hattersley/Veterinary Practice Today.

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.