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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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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.