The New Zealand Veterinary Association welcomes the decision by Trade Me not to list pugs, French bulldogs and British bulldogs for sale on its website.
Chief Executive Office Mark Ward says the demand for French bulldogs, pugs and English bulldogs has pushed prices up for puppies and unscrupulous breeders have flourished to supply this demand. By selling online, rather than meeting purchasers face to face, these breeders have not been subjected to having the parents or their facilities inspected by puppy buyers.
“The veterinary profession has long held concerns for many breeds of cats and dogs whose welfare is compromised from being bred to look a certain way. The rise in popularity of English bulldogs, French bulldogs and pugs has seen a marked increase in dogs presenting to veterinarians with serious health issues from airway disease and eye problems. High proportions of English bulldogs, French bulldogs and pugs require correctional surgery to provide them with the simple ability to breathe without difficulty and blink without pain,” says NZVA Chief Executive Officer Mark Ward.
“Without correctional surgery, large numbers of these dogs live with chronic pain and distress, with many owners and breeders unaware that their dog is suffering.”
“In addition, almost all of these dogs are no longer capable of mating or giving birth naturally. This means each litter requires the mother undertake a risky Caesarean section to produce puppies for sale”.
It is hoped that by Trade Me making this stand, puppy buyers will take the opportunity to make an informed choice before choosing a pet. Veterinarians are committed to improving animal welfare and understand the importance of having a dog that is a good fit for a family.
Veterinarians welcome clients contacting them to have pre-puppy selection discussions before the life-long commitment of owning a dog is undertaken.
Additional information:
An ethical puppy-buyer’s guide from the New Zealand Veterinary Association
In the same way that ethics are guiding purchases for food and clothing, the NZVA suggests that prospective owners also consider ethical issues when obtaining a pet dog.
Adopt don’t buy
Large numbers of healthy puppies and dogs need homes. Consider adopting a rescue dog and save a life.
Don’t support puppy farms
Never buy from puppy farms – even if you feel sorry for the dog. More puppies will be bred to replace the dog you buy. It’s a vicious cycle.
Visit the breeder
Visit the breeding facility and see the environment where the puppy is being raised. It should be comfortable and clean. The puppy should also be able to mix with people and other animals.
Meet the parents
Request the health history of the puppy’s parents and ask to meet them. Be wary if the parents have needed surgery to enable them to breathe comfortably, correct eyelid issues or walk normally. Avoid buying puppies produced from mating closely related dogs. Consider also their temperaments and avoid those that are aggressive or overly nervous.
Don’t support breeders who produce puppies with severely exaggerated features
If buying a breed that has exaggerated features (flat face, large eyes, excessive skin, short legs, long ears), choose a breeder who is actively breeding away from extreme features.
Support breeders who screen the parents for inherited diseases
It is not enough for a breeder to just take part in a health scheme, they must also use the results to access the suitability of mating the dogs. Discuss the test results with your veterinarian before you buy the puppy.
Check how many litter the mother has produced
Three litters from one mother allows breeders to produce a suitable daughter to continue the breed line and reduces the welfare impacts on individual breeding female dogs. Breeders who have bred more than three litters from one female dog should raise concerns.
Check how old the mother was when mated
The risks of pregnancy complications are related to the age of the female dog. Breeding female dogs should ideally be between one and six years of age when they are mated.
Check if a caesarean section was required
Don’t support breeders who subject their bitches to multiple caesarean sections. Up to two are acceptable.
Ensure that the puppy’s health has been well managed
The puppies should be in good body condition, on a regular parasite control programme, have had a vet check and received any vaccinations that are required.
Check the puppy will be over eight weeks of age when they are released to new owners
Puppies must be weaned and fully self-sufficient and at least eight weeks old before they are released to their new owners. Ten weeks is preferred for smaller breed puppies.
Ensure that the puppy’s behavioural needs have been met
To smooth the transition to their new homes, puppies should be able to mix with people and other animals from three weeks of age.
Select a breeder who will provide support and follow-up care
A responsible breeder will also be knowledgeable about the breed and the care of new puppies. They will be keen to provide follow-up support.
