UK might ban 67 canine breeds below new welfare guidelines – full checklist included
Campaigners say 67 breeds of dogs could be banned in the UK if new animal welfare rules come into force, with an all-party parliamentary group working on legislation that targets certain physical characteristics
Shih Tzu dogs are also on the list (stock)
Campaigners claim 67 dog breeds could face prohibition in the UK should new regulations be implemented. An all-party parliamentary group for animal welfare (APGAW) is developing fresh legislation to enhance the treatment of canines across the UK.
The regulations could witness a prohibition on traits such as shortened muzzles, flattened faces and truncated limbs, according to The Times. The regulations might employ a 10-point assessment to establish whether a breed is healthy Forbidden characteristics could additionally encompass dappled skin, surplus skin creases, protruding eyes, sagging eyelids, underbite, overbite and impaired breathing.
Opponents of the regulations argue they would result in a prohibition on corgis, dachshunds, Westies, chihuahuas and shih tzus. The restrictions on shortened limbs have been incorporated because breeds such as corgis and dachshunds may suffer spinal and limb abnormalities.
Flat-faced breeds are incorporated owing to worries about numerous health complications for dogs that struggle with respiration, reports the Mirror. Beverley Cuddy, founder of the Union of Good Dog People, stated: “It’s going to be the most shocking thing to happen to dog lovers in this country. People will rightly be outraged at being told they can’t have the dogs they want. It’s madness.”
Marisa Heath, director of the APGAW, commented: “The suggestion that the Innate Health Assessment [IHA] could lead to beloved breeds such as corgis becoming ‘banned’ is misleading and irresponsible’.
“The IHA is a voluntary welfare tool designed to encourage breeding from dogs with healthy conformations. It does not target particular breeds and is not intended to make any breed extinct – quite the opposite as it is about making those breeds healthier and sustainable by moving them towards good innate health. Indeed, many breeds cited as at risk – including corgis and dachshunds – have already passed the assessment in practice.”
Whilst the system remains voluntary at present, several councils are already utilising it to assess whether breeders are producing healthy dogs, and it could become legislation within five years.
Margaret Hoggarth, secretary of the Welsh Corgi League, said: “They are trying to say any dogs with a certain look are unhealthy but anybody who has worked with corgis knows they are a very healthy breed. They don’t have the problems you see with some other breeds but sadly they are being lumped in together because they have short legs.”
Complete list of breeds campaigners fear would be prohibited.
1. Affenpischer.
2. American Cocker Spaniel.
3. Australian Cattle Dog.
4. Australian Shepherd.
5. Basset.
6. Basset Bleu.
7. Basset Fauve.
8. Beagle.
9. Beauceron.
10. Bergamasco.
11. Bloodhound.
12. Border Collie.
13. Boston Terrier.
14. Boxer.
15. Bracco.
16. Brittany.
17. Brussels Griffon.
18. Bull Mastiff.
19. Bulldog.
20. Cairn Terrier.
21. Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
22. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
23. Cesky Terrier.
24. Chihuahua.
25. Chow Chow.
26. Clumber Spaniel.
27. Dachshund 28.
Dandie Terrier.
29. Dogue de Bordeaux.
30. French Bulldog.
31. Glen of Imaal Terrier.
32. Grand Basset.
33. Great Dane.
34. Japanese Chin.
35. King Charles Spaniel.
36. Lancashire Heeler.
37. Lhasa Apso.
38. Mastiff.
39. Mudi.
40. Neapolitan Mastiff.
41. Newfoundland.
42. Norfolk Terrier.
43. Norwich Terrier.
44. Old English Sheepdog.
45. Pekingese.
46. Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
47. Petit Basset.
48. Polish Lowland.
49. Pug.
50. Pyr Mastiff.
51. Pyr Shep.
52. Rough Collie.
53. Schipperke.
54. Scottish Terrier.
55. Sealyham Terrier.
56. Shar Pei.
57. Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie).
58. Shih Tzu.
59. Skye Terrier.
60. Smooth Collie.
61. Spanish Water Dog.
62. St Bernard.
63. Staffordshire Terrier.
64. Sussex Spaniel.
65. Swedish Vallhund.
66. Tibetan Mastiff.
67. West Highland White Terrier.
