Gary Hemming, an unlicensed dog breeder and self-proclaimed “Dr. DNA,” has sparked outrage by claiming to have created a new breed of designer dogs by morphing the DNA of a Dalmatian and a French bulldog. Hemming, who hails from Edinburgh, Scotland, boasts of creating what he calls the Pokadot Frenchie, a new breed that he plans to sell worldwide. However, experts have raised concerns about the welfare of these animals, warning that such breeding practices often result in significant health problems and lifelong suffering for the dogs involved.
British Veterinary Association President Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux has spoken out against unscrupulous breeders who prioritize profit over the well-being of animals, particularly by pushing for fashionable but genetically modified dog breeds with extreme features like excessive wrinkles or flat faces. These breeding practices have been associated with the rise of unregulated dog breeding services, including canine fertility clinics, which have been criticized for contributing to animal suffering. The Scottish government and numerous animal experts have condemned Hemming’s actions, warning of the potential diseases and shortened lifespans that could afflict the designer dogs he is creating.
Hemming, also known as Gari Ferrari and Dr. DNA, shared images of his unique creations on social media, including a white dog with black spots named “Mr. Pokadot.” He proudly claimed that his breeding program, which involves combining Dalmatian and French bulldog DNA, had been years in the making and was finally coming to fruition with the launch of his Pokadot Frenchie line. Despite criticism from officials and animal welfare advocates, Hemming continued to promote his designer dogs, announcing plans for new color and pattern variations that he intended to introduce in the coming years.
In a BBC investigation, Hemming was exposed for his controversial breeding practices, which included creating “Frankenstein” pups by genetically modifying different breeds of dogs to create the so-called “unicorn dog.” He had previously bred hairless French bulldogs using American and English bulldogs, selling the resulting dogs on social media platforms. The backlash against Hemming’s breeding activities has led to a renewed push for stricter regulations on unlicensed dog breeders in Scotland, with government officials committing to drafting new laws to regulate businesses offering dog fertility services and crack down on irresponsible breeding practices that prioritize profit over animal welfare.
The controversy surrounding Hemming’s designer dogs has highlighted the ethical concerns raised by the growing trend of creating genetically modified breeds for commercial purposes. Critics argue that such practices often lead to severe health issues and reduced quality of life for the animals involved, as they are bred to meet human preferences for aesthetic features rather than considering the long-term well-being of the dogs. The case of Hemming serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unregulated breeding practices and the importance of implementing stricter laws and oversight to protect the welfare of animals in the pet industry. By addressing these issues, authorities can help prevent the exploitation of animals for profit and promote responsible breeding practices that prioritize the health and happiness of the animals involved.
