When an animal lover is in a position of power, they sometimes choose to change existing policies that can improve their quality of life. This is exactly what motivates The Dutch National Government proposes banning dogs with flat faces and cats with drooping ears.
They claim that these are some external traits that are harmful and lead to lifelong suffering.
The idea behind the ban is that certain external features, such as a flat face, short snout and drooping ears, can make an animal more aesthetically pleasing. But, because an animal possesses these attributes, they suffer. The ban is intended to prevent this suffering.
“This topic affects me not only as a Minister but also as a person. We make the lives of innocent animals miserable just because we think they are beautiful and cute. That is why today we are taking a big step towards a Netherlands where no pets should suffer because of their appearance,” Dutch Agriculture Minister Piet Adema said in a statement. declare.
When a dog has a flat face, they are described as short headand they often have breathing problems, compromised heart health, struggle with skin and ear infections, and neurological problems.
The ban is not only aimed at owning an animal with these attributes, but trade and importation will also be affected.
Dutch government officials want to give notice in advance of the potential ban, so that families currently considering adopting a new hairy family member can take this new ruling into account when making their decision. their determination.
They are currently working on a list of potentially banned animals, but no “official” details have been released yet. Some breeds with these traits include: French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pugs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Shih Tzus and Boxers.
If this is passed, pet parents who currently have an animal covered by the ban will be allowed to keep them until they cross the rainbow. A secondary ban, also being proposed, would prevent similar animals from appearing in ads.
The ministry on the subject said: “Seeing a certain type of pet frequently or prominently often increases demand for it.
When it comes to cats with drooping ears, they fall into The Scottish Fold and its “lovely ears” are the result of a genetic mutation. Unfortunately, a cat’s ears aren’t the only thing affected, and the mutation can lead to a life of misery.
“This inherited cartilage defect causes other malformations throughout the body and is a dominant trait, meaning that all kittens in the litter will be affected,” says the RSPCA in Australia.
Some cats have even become completely lame and some serious abnormalities can include arthritis, a thick and stiff tail, spine problems, and short and stiff legs.
Even as efforts are made to create a healthier cat by mixing with other cat breeds, the devastating effects of this disease manifest in both anatomy and behavior.
Both bans are complicated and will take time to resolve, but Adema wants the public to know that changes are coming and the Department is determined to do what’s best for the animals.
