Dog Owners Divided Over Plans To Ban Pugs and French Bulldogs

Earlier this week, we told you how campaigners are calling for a ban on the sale of French bulldogs, pugs, and other flat-faced - or brachycephalic - pets in the UK.

Animal charity, Blue Cross has recently launched the #EndTheTrend campaign which asks UK brands "to commit by the end of 2022 to phasing out the use of any brachycephalic pets in their future advertisements."

Since news of the campaign came to light, dog owners in the UK have been voicing their opinions - and it's certainly a mixed bag.

Many disagreed with the idea, with one person - who has a French bulldog herself - explaining: "I have a frenchie & he’s got no issues at all. The solution is not to ban the breed; but to crack down on back-garden breeders and ensure they face prosecution/jail time.

"Buying a dog should become a registered process whereby it is easy to trace unregistered breeders and ensure they face consequences. These breeds are wonderful dogs - banning them is not the solution; stopping irresponsible breeding is."

Another agreed, adding: "Totally agree my frenchie has no problems either."

And a third said: "I agree some are terrible, when we were looking over 3 years ago we saw some awful examples of them but not all, I have 2 frenchies and they have no health issues, no breathing issues either. A blanket ban because some people are terrible breeders seems very unfair. I adore my 2 would be so lost without them."

But others disagreed, and voiced their opinions on supporting the campaign.

One wrote: "About time. Poor little things. Can't imagine what it's like struggling for breath."

While another claimed: "Yes, my daughter's pug had terrible breathing troubles and had to have $3k [£2,295] surgery to improve his breathing."

And a third added: "Yes .. About time they're not breeding machines they're animals and ppl just want the money... Really sad to see."

What do you think?

In recent years there has been a push by animal charities to ban the breeding of brachycephalic pets, as they can develop horrific health problems.

These pets can suffer breathing problems, overheating, sleep apnoea, eye disease and much more. Brachycephaly refers to a short skull shape, which gives the appearance of a flattened face.

Blue Cross says: "More and more major British consumer brands are using brachycephalic (flat-faced) animals in their marketing and advertising, even if their products are unrelated."

"By using brachycephalic pets in their advertisements, brands are indirectly contributing to the over-popularisation of these animals and, in turn, the extreme demand for flat-faced breeds."

If you wish to sign the #EndTheTrend petition you can do so here.

If you see an animal in distress and/or in need of help, please contact the RSPCA's 24-hour animal cruelty line on 0300 1234 999 or visit their website for further advice.