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Charities criticise flat-faced dog’s Crufts win
RSPCA says the dog's short muzzle and pinched nostrils would cause it suffering.
A French bulldog won in the Utility Group.

Leading dog charities have criticised Crufts, after it awarded a French bulldog, known as Elton, first place in the Utility Group 2024.

The charities, Blue Cross and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), took to the social media platform X to condemn the win, with Blue Cross warning it would ‘glamourise’ extreme breeding.

RSPCA also drew attention to the French bulldog’s exaggerated features, mentioning his short muzzle and pinched nostrils. It said that those traits could cause a dog suffering.

It says that, as well as breathing difficulties, dogs resulting from extreme breeding can suffer from skin, dental, spinal, brain and eye problems.

RSPCA has launched its 'Born to Suffer' campaign, encouraging supporters to pledge online against extreme breeding.

Dr Samantha Gaines, RSPCA dog welfare experts, said: “We are hugely disappointed that a French bulldog with an extremely short muzzle and pinched nostrils has been awarded Best in Breed at Crufts on Thursday.

“The breed standard states these dogs should have a well-defined muzzle and wide open nostrils, so awarding Best of Breed and Group as well as allowing this dog to compete for Best in Show sends completely the wrong message.”

However, Crufts Kennel Club has said that the French bulldog had passed all relevant veterinary health assessments. It said that the health and welfare of dogs is a priority.

Charlotte McNamara, head of health at The Kennel Club, said: “He has a grade 0 score on The Kennel Club/University of Cambridge breathing assessment that was carried out prior to the show - and which from Crufts 2025 will be mandatory for all French bulldogs, pugs and bulldogs before they compete - meaning he is clinically unaffected by brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). 
 
“Elton has also passed the show vet check, which is given to all dogs before group judging, and to some breed winners to ensure there are no visible signs of health concerns.”

Image © Shutterstock

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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.