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Vets ask advertisers to stop using brachycephalic animals
“A rise in demand can lead to an increase in breeding practices that result in severe conformational issues and poorer welfare in these breeds" – Dr Nathalie Dowgray.

Open letter sets out concerns about encouraging unhealthy features.

A coalition of international veterinary organisations has called on the advertising industry to stop using brachycephalic animals in marketing material.

In an open letter setting out the health challenges faced by breeds such as pugs, French bulldogs and Persian cats, the coalition asks companies to work with the veterinary profession to avoid using such breeds in advertising.

The letter has been signed by the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations, the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe, the Union of European Veterinary Practitioners, and the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM).

Brachycephalic animals are being used to make products more attractive to customers, states the letter, and their use in advertising is contributing to their popularity among pet owners.

The letter states: ‘It is our ethical duty as veterinarians to contribute all our expertise and skills to the wellbeing and health of all animals and to promote and protect their welfare, and therefore we pledge not to use these breeds in any advertising.

‘So, we kindly ask you to consider these remarks and pledge in the future not to use these breeds in advertising anymore.’

Although The Kennel Club recently revealed that registrations of brachycephalic breeds are starting to decline, French bulldogs, pugs, and bulldogs make up around 20 per cent of dogs the UK. Breeding for brachycephalic features also affects other animals, including cats and horse.

As part of the campaign, a template letter has been released for members of the public to download to send to companies that use brachycephalic cats in their marketing.

Dr Nathalie Dowgray, head of ISFM, said: “Seeing a cute cat in an advertisement can often be a trigger for people to seek out acquiring a cat of that breed without understanding the welfare concerns associated with some pedigree breeds.

“A rise in demand can lead to an increase in breeding practices that result in severe conformational issues and poorer welfare in these breeds. We encourage people to download this letter to use when they see breeds of concern being used in advertising, as health is always more important than looks.”

 

Image (C) Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.