Britain prides itself on being a nation of dog lovers – but is this true? Animal rights campaigners have targeted a leading dog show, accusing the event of promoting ‘deformed’ breeds such as pugs and bulldogs.
Peta wants the Scottish Kennel Club to disqualify brachycephalic dogs, which have shortened noses and flat faces. These dogs ‘can barely breathe — let alone go for a walk or chase a ball — without gasping for air due to their shortened airways,’ said the group.
This isn’t the first time campaigners have targeted dog shows: last month, Peta supporters were removed from Crufts in Birmingham after they complained that it’s cruel to breed dogs with very short legs, like dachshunds and corgis. These breeds, which Peta describes as ‘frankendogs’, can suffer lifelong back and knee pain because of their short legs.
Whether we love dogs or not, we certainly love buying them: between 2019 and 2022, the number of pet dogs in the UK surged from nine million to 13 million as the loneliness of lockdown made people want four-legged friends to keep them company.
Get Britain's best politics newsletters
Register to get The Spectator's insight and opinion straight to your inbox. You can then read two free articles each week.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just £1 a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just £1 a monthAlready a subscriber? Log in