Rebecca Manzi In Argentina, the aim is to ban the reproduction, sale and importation of brachycephalic animals through a bill that will have to be examined by Parliament
@Canva
In Argentina, a new bill has been tabled aimed at banning the breeding, sale, and importation of brachycephalic animals, including dogs and cats with short noses and broad heads, such as the French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Pug, Pekingese, Persian cat, and Exotic Shorthair cat.
This is a result of health concerns for the conditions of these animals, whose anatomy leads to an array of medical issues and diminishes their level of living. Brachycephalic companions are often chosen because of how different they look, but the shape of their heads causes significant respiratory issues.
The most common condition is brachycephalic syndrome, caused by stenotic nostrils, long soft palate, and abnormally small trachea. This causes noisy breathing, snoring, exercise intolerance, and, in severe cases, respiratory collapse. Most of these animals require surgery to improve their respiratory capacity.
In addition to breathing issues, the breeds suffer from gastrointestinal issues due to the pressure that the forced breathing puts on the internal organs, leading to gastric reflux, hernias, and digestive issues. Their teeth are equally negatively impacted as the smaller skull shape causes crowded teeth, which provokes infections and chewing issues.
Another key aspect is their lack of ability to regulate body heat. Due to their physical build, these creatures cannot shed heat effectively and are highly prone to heatstroke, especially in hot weather or after exercise. Apart from this, brachycephalic canines and felines are prone to skin infection due to folds in the skin, eye complications related to their protruding eyes, and spine issues.
Same steps already done in other countries
The bill, supported by the Legal Animal Protection Network with the endorsement of veterinarians, animal welfare groups, and animal behaviorists, is patterned after existing actions in countries such as France, Norway, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. It aims to reduce the suffering of these animals and create awareness among the public regarding safe genetic selection.
But the proposal has been controversial. Some think that instead of banning breeding, it would be more advisable to encourage breeding practices with more focus on the health of the animals. The bill will now be discussed in Parliament, but it has already brought an important consideration about the ethical duty of choosing domestic breeds.
