Captive big cat breeding programs carry risk of death not present in the wild

There is a story in The Times today about animal rights groups up in arms over a lioness that was killed at Longleat Safari Park in the UK. There have been seven similar incidents at zoos and safari parks across Britain over the past seven years including this recent one at Longleat. The female was …

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Breeders of fashionable flat-faced dogs in breach of breed standard

The Kennel Club breed standard for the brachycephalic, flat-faced, fashionable French bulldog and pug (as two examples) are clear on what is required in respect of their eyes. Take the pug. The breed standard states: “Dark, relatively large, round in shape, soft and solicitous in expression, very lustrous, and when excited, full of fire. Never …

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Short-muzzled dog owners are unconcerned about their dog’s health problems

A study concluded that 66% owners of brachycephalic (round-headed short-muzzled) dogs would recommend their dog breed to others and 93% would adopt another despite the fact that these flat-faced breeds are inherently unhealthy. It seems that they don’t think they are unhealthy or have normalised the health issues. This attitude will perpetuate the breeding of …

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Animals are not there to fulfil the dubious aesthetic demands of their owners

NEWS AND VIEWS: The wise words of the title are those of Julia Klöckner, the German government’s Agriculture Minister. I want to give this woman a kiss because (1) she is genuinely concerned about animal welfare and has the power to make some real changes for the benefit of animals and (2) she is very …

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