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Campaign highlights brachy health issues
The charity is concerned that unhealthy features have become normalised.
Public and vets urged to sign pledge.

The RSPCA has launched a campaign to raise public awareness about the health issues experienced by brachycephalic dogs.

The ‘Born to Suffer’ campaign features images of brachycephalic dogs wearing nasal cannulas, highlighting the breathing difficulties that affect flat-faced breeds.

The charity is also asking people to sign a pledge to say “no” to unhealthy breeds and not to celebrate brachycephalic dogs online or in day-to-day life.

Despite the health issues faced by brachycephalic dogs, breeds such as pugs, French bulldogs and English bulldogs continue to be among the most popular breeds with UK dog owners. The extreme features that cause them health problems are often considered to be ‘cute’ by owners.

Vanessa Howie, head veterinary surgeon of companion animals at the RSPCA, said: “The three breeds with the greatest health and welfare issues - pugs, English bulldogs and French bulldogs - have become increasingly ‘normalised’ and popular, and are routinely celebrated across advertising, promotion and social media.

“If you Google ‘cute dogs’, it is these breeds which often come up first. They are ubiquitous in advertising and social media and this relentless exposure has fuelled demand but it has also normalised what is totally abnormal.”

Earlier this month, the RSPCA was among the charities which criticised Crufts after a French bulldog with what the charity described as “an extremely short muzzle and pinched nostrils” was awarded the Best in Breed prize.

The RSPCA has appealed to veterinary professionals to support its new campaign and sign the pledge.

Dr Howie said: “We know that many vets share our concerns about brachycephalic dogs and that they will get behind our new campaign - as they too often see the reality of the life many of these dogs face, and the health problems they sadly experience.”

Image © RSPCA

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RVC leads globally for Veterinary Science

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has retained its lead in Veterinary Science education in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

The college scored 100 for its Academic Reputation and increased its Employer Reputation to 91.7 points. It also maintained high scores for Citations per Paper and H-Index.

RVC says that its score recognises its students' employability and the institution's standing with employers. It also highlighted the impact that its graduates and alumni are making in the sector.

Stuart Reid CBE, president and principal of RVC, said: "We are dedicated to maintaining the teaching, learning and research that takes place at the RVC.

"I am delighted that the effort from all our staff and students has once again led to a great outcome in the QS rankings; it is a privilege we do not take for granted."

The full rankings can be found here.