Rescue bulldog and puppy branded ‘genetic disasters’ as Norway bans breed | UK | News

Five-year-old British bulldog Deedee and 12-week-old Dill were handed in to Hope Rescue in Wales after their owner was unable to meet their needs. Both mum and her pup are suffering from a number of health problems the breed is prone to which is set to cost the charity thousands of pounds in vet bills.

Hope Rescue founder Vanessa Waddon told Express.co.uk: “They are genetic disasters. It just highlights everything that’s wrong with breeding these dogs.”

It comes as Norway this week banned the breeding of British bulldogs, ruling that it breaches the country’s animal welfare laws due to the host of medical issues the animals face.

On the landmark ruling, Ms Waddon said: “I think it’s sad that it’s come to this, but the breed problems have just gone too far.

“And there aren’t enough ethical and responsible breeders out there. There are so many low welfare breeders and the public are part of this problem.”

Deedee suffers from an eye condition called entropion which is common in bulldogs and needs one of her eyes removed.

Meanwhile Dill has very poor breathing due to being flat-faced which will require surgery in the future, and is also seeing an orthopaedic vet due to issues with his legs, hips and back.

It comes as Animal Protection Norway won its case to ban the breeding of both British bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles spaniels on Monday.

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Pet charity Blue Cross welcomed moves to address the problem but warned Norway’s ban may lead to breeders going underground.

Becky Thwaites, head of public affairs, said: “While this action may seem drastic to some, it shows how Norway is taking these concerns very seriously.

“There needs to be a solution to the poor breeding practices of dogs with inherited genetic issues that are only getting worse with litters born every year and popularity of these breeds rising to unprecedented levels.

“Whilst we welcome the commitment to tackle the problems with poor welfare breeding for flat-faced animals, we have concerns about the effectiveness of a ban and feel it could result in irresponsible breeders moving underground and continuing to cash in on demand for these breeds with little thought for the animal’s welfare.

“We have long campaigned to improve the breeding of extremely flat-faced breeds who often struggle to breathe and may even need surgery, we promote a focus on ensuring only those animals with the best confirmation are bred from and that they aren’t simply seen as a fashion icon that unscrupulous breeders can cash in on.”