Letter from The Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare

Dogs Trust is proud to be a member of The Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare (ACCAW) since 2021. 

Today, a letter from the ACCAW was released to all advertisers and media organisations amongst others, asking for them to please refrain from using images brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs such as Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs. 

Sadly, these dogs have high risk of multiple health and welfare issues, and using their images only increases their popularity and drives demand. You can read the letter in its entirety below.

Letter from ACCAW

Dear advertisers, media organisations, social media influencers, manufacturers and retailers.

The Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare (ACCAW) was established in 2021 to advise the Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on issues impacting welfare of companion animals in Ireland.

ACCAW membership includes representatives from Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, DSPCA, ISPCA, Irish Kennel Club, Dogs Trust, The Association of Pet Dog Trainers, The Irish Blue Cross and Veterinary Ireland.

The Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare requests that advertisers, media organisations, social media influencers, manufacturers and retailers refrain in future from using imagery of brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog breeds.

Brachycephalic breeds such as Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs have a high risk of severe, health and welfare issues, including difficulty breathing, eye ulceration, skin infections and spinal problems. In addition, many brachycephalic dogs have reduced life expectancy or require surgery to attain a tolerable quality of life.

ACCAW considers that use of images of brachycephalic breeds in advertising and marketing has contributed to increased popularity of brachycephalic dog breeds in Ireland. Although these breeds are often portrayed as cute, ACCAW is of the opinion that widespread use of imagery of brachycephalic animals has helped to normalise the abnormal features (flat faces, protruding eyes and excessively folded skin) of brachycephalic dogs that can have a negative impact on both animal health and welfare.

We therefore call on all responsible organisations and influencers to refrain from use of images of flat-faced dog breeds in publications, on merchandise, or to endorse or sell products and, instead, to use imagery of dogs that do not have brachycephalic characteristics, in order to help promote responsible ownership of dogs in Ireland with a high chance of excellent health.

We thank you for your co-operation in this important matter.

For further information please see link below :

“Please don't buy flat-faced animals” https://youtu.be/XaG9nYgY4tA

Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA)

Signed

Sean O’Laoide

ACCAW Chairperson