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Battersea calls for action on breeding for extreme features
French bulldogs are among the brachycephalic breeds which can have health issues.
The charity performed 78 surgeries on brachycephalic dogs in 2023.

Battersea is calling on the government to do more to prevent the breeding of dogs with extreme features.

The charity is continuing to see dogs with health and welfare issues linked to their breeding come into its care. In 2023, veterinary surgeons at Battersea performed 78 surgeries on dogs with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome to widen their airways.

Coco, a two-year-old French bulldog and Pekingese cross, is one of the brachycephalic dogs that the charity has recently looked after. A cross between two flat-faced breeds, she has bowed front legs and will have mobility issues for the rest of her life. She can also struggle to breathe and has suspected heart arrhythmia.

A new home has now been found for Coco, but she will need to receive ongoing care.

Battersea wants to see tighter regulations on dog breeding and existing enforcement powers to be fully utilised to improve animal health and welfare.

The charity has welcomed the new pet smuggling bill introduced to Parliament by veterinary surgeon Danny Chambers MP. Among other restrictions, the legislation will make it illegal to bring dogs into the UK that are younger than six months or more than 42 days pregnant.

Shaun Opperman, Battersea’s head veterinary surgeon, said: “It’s deeply concerning that animals like Coco are still being bred with such exaggerated traits that directly affect their ability to live a comfortable and healthy life.

“Beyond the many health issues, extreme breeding practices also often take away an animal’s ability to behave naturally – many flat-faced dogs can even struggle to go for long walks due to breathing difficulties.

“It’s so sad, as these traits are solely the result of human demand for certain looks, without consideration of the welfare consequences.”

Image © Shutterstock

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FIVP Practice Matters podcast returns for Series 2

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) has announced that its podcast, FIVP Practice Matters, will be returning for a second series next year.

The bi-weekly podcast will return on Tuesday, 14 January 2025 with an episode on sustainability with Alison Lambert. The second series will include a range of new and familiar guests sharing veterinary initiatives and news from independent practices.

The podcast is available on Spotify and will now also be released on Apple Podcasts. More details about FIVP and the podcast can be found on its website

Click here for more...
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Further cases of H5N1 confirmed in Norfolk

APHA has officially confirmed that two more cases of H5N1 have been found on premises in Norfolk.

Testing confirmed that highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 was present at premises near Attleborough, as well as premises near Hingham in South Norfolk. The case near Hingham follows a slaughter on suspicion which was declared on 23 December.

A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been implemented at each premises, and all the poultry on each premises will be humanely culled.

A third case has also been identified near Beverley in East Riding of Yorkshire.

APHA is reminding bird keepers to remain vigilant and follow biosecurity measures to prevent more outbreaks. Details on the current disease control zones and biosecurity guidance can be found on the APHA website.