Norway has announced it will ban British bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles spaniels from being bred in the country following a landmark ruling.
The Norwegian Animal Welfare Association (NAWA) announced the news, saying the Oslo District Court had ruled against 'unethical breeders'.
"It was unanimously decided that it would be contrary to [section 25] of the Norwegian Animal Welfare Act to breed dog breeds of English bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles spaniel in Norway," a translation of the announcement said.
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"For many decades, sick dogs have been bred illegally," the translated announcement added. "This ruling was therefore very much awaited."
All dogs have a reason to celebrate today, the NAWA said.
The ruling does make a provision for 'serious breeding', which could include scientific research to help the animals with their various health issues.
The NAWA said the man-made health problems of bulldogs have been known since the early 20th Century, and the suffering species could potentially take advantage of new research.
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Bulldogs are often plagued with health problems including hip dysplasia and brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome, which makes it difficult for the animals to keep their bodies cool.
A 2010 study also found that a large percentage of bulldogs are delivered via Cesarean section because of their characteristically large heads.
In 2019, Dutch authorities also cracked down on breeding dogs which have snouts which are 'too short'.
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