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Norway has banned the breeding of English bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles spaniels in a landmark ruling this week, citing the inherent health problems with the canines.
Ashild Roaldset, CEO of NSPA, said, “The man-made health problems of the bulldog have been known since the early 20th century. This verdict is therefore many years overdue.”
“For many decades, sick dogs have been bred illegally. What is happening here is a systematic and organized betrayal of our four-legged friends. Today it was finally determined that this is a violation of the law,” NSPA’s update on the ruling stated.
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Health problems of both breeds as well as many others have beenwelldocumented, including severe breathing conditions, eye conditions, skin infections, heart issues, and joint problems.
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Few bulldogs are able to give live birth or conceive without artificial insemination. The breed also has a high level of puppy mortality due to congenital defects like splayed legs and cleft palates, while adults deal with hip and elbow dysplasia and spinal curvature.
The study claims that even the healthiest of English bulldog puppies have a lifespan of less than 8 and a half years, with six being the average of a purebred.
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NSPA did allow for the proviso that breeding with the express purpose to curtail the animals' health problems would be allowed, saying, “serious and scientifically-based cross breeding could be a well-suited alternative.”
source: people.com
