Animal lovers are concerned about the rise of illegal clinics in the UK where designer dogs are bred for profit, leading to significant welfare issues. These clinics, estimated to be around 400 in number last year, have seen a tenfold increase from the previous year. Dogs are being bred with deformities such as flat faces, cropped ears, and stubby legs, which result in lifelong health problems. Additionally, there is a disturbing trend of breeding declawed cats, prompting calls for urgent action to update laws and regulations. The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee (EFRA) is advocating for stricter rules to combat this issue.
The lack of oversight in these clinics is alarming, as unqualified staff carry out procedures like caesarean sections and encourage the breeding of dogs with extreme features and aggressive traits. The report highlights the urgent need for regulatory measures to ensure the welfare of these animals. There is also a call for a ban on importing puppies under six months and a ban on mutilated dogs. The ease of purchasing DIY kits for procedures like ear cropping online is contributing to the problem, as unscrupulous individuals can carry out these acts of mutilation without proper training or care for the animals’ well-being.
During hearings last year, experts shared distressing images of dogs with severe deformities that had to be euthanized due to the extent of their health issues. The push for designer animals with extreme features is driven by trends and social media influencers, rather than consideration for the animals’ welfare. The report warns against the harmful effects of such breeding practices on the animals and emphasizes the need for responsible breeding and ownership. The report calls for a crackdown on illegal clinics, stricter penalties for those found guilty of operating them, and measures to counteract the influence of social media celebrities promoting designer dogs.
The MPs behind the report are advocating for a comprehensive update to laws dating back to 1966 that regulate the breeding of pet dogs and the almost complete lack of regulation for breeding cats. The recommendations include banning certain practices that harm animals and tightening restrictions on breeding clinics and online sales of animals. The report also highlights concerns about unethical breeding methods, the importance of animal welfare, and the consequences of prioritizing profit over the well-being of animals. Lawmakers are urging the government to take fast and decisive action to protect animals from exploitation and mistreatment in the designer pet industry.
Animal rights activists and organizations have long been campaigning against the commercialization of animals and the breeding of designer pets for profit. The rise of illegal clinics operating without proper veterinary oversight is a worrying development that puts animals at risk of health problems and suffering. The report sheds light on the dark side of the designer pet industry, where animals are bred for their looks rather than their welfare. The recommendations put forth by the EFRA Committee are aimed at tackling this issue and ensuring that animals are not exploited for profit or subjected to unnecessary harm in the name of fashion or trends.
In conclusion, the surge in illegal clinics breeding designer dogs and cats for profit has raised concerns among animal lovers and lawmakers. The lack of regulatory oversight and outdated laws have allowed these unethical practices to flourish, resulting in significant welfare issues for the animals involved. The recommendations made by the EFRA Committee highlight the urgent need for stricter regulations, bans on harmful practices, and enforcement measures to protect animals from exploitation and mistreatment. It is essential to prioritize animal welfare over financial gain and ensure that breeding practices are conducted responsibly and ethically to safeguard the well-being of animals in the designer pet industry.
