A veterinary institute is calling for a bulldog breeding ban in NSW because they allege these animals lead a life of pain and suffering.
An inquiry led by Sentient, an animal ethics organisation, looked into puppy farming and the harmful practices of breeding certain kinds of dogs, according to news.com.au.
The organisation said at a parliamentary hearing that they concluded the laws need to be amended to make it illegal to breed flat-faced dogs and cats.
Sentient President Rosemary Elliott said: “Breeding flat-faced dogs and cats is responsible for animal suffering that is entirely preventable and should be banned in animal welfare legislation.
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“These animals suffer gross physical deformities that make everyday life unbearably stressful.”
Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst has also called for tougher restrictions to end large scale intensive breeding.
She introduced a bill that would limit how many breeding dogs can be held by a business.
According to ABC News, the proposed law was suggested last year when a Victorian man, Benjamin Geerling, was charged with animal cruelty offences for allegedly running a puppy farm on an unregistered premise in NSW and failing to register the number of animals he bred.
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But some have spoken out against the bill and stated it infringes the ‘liberties' of breeders.
Dog breeder John Carr said during the hearing: “The amount of red tape for statutes and offences has become so huge that for any breeder it’s intrusive and overwhelming.
"It takes away our liberties and the joy we have from breeding dogs.”
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Still, Elliot remains firm that the laws need to be changed better to protect the welfare of animals in the state.
She also insisted that vets should be required to provide certification upon breeding to confirm that the animal did not suffer from any health problems that could be passed down to its offspring.
“We wouldn't intentionally bring into the world, regardless of species, individuals who are going to suffer to the extent that many of these animals suffer,” she said.
“Most notably, because of their popularity, bulldogs and Persian cats. These animals, their basic existence is one of suffering.
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“They cannot breathe properly, they cannot sleep properly, they cannot walk properly."
She added: “We absolutely agree with you, and as the mother of a neurodiverse child myself, we think that everybody has a right to life.
“But we also don't think we should intentionally bring life into the world that is going to suffer.”
Featured Image Credit: Alamy. Richard Milnes/AlamyTopics: News, Australia, Politics, Animals, Dogs