Chloe Ferry Faces PETA Backlash Over French Bulldog Puppy Gift
Reality television star Chloe Ferry has come under fire from the animal rights organisation PETA after revealing her boyfriend Alex Swinney surprised her with a new blue French bulldog puppy. The Geordie Shore personality, aged 30, shared Instagram photos of the puppy named Olive, but PETA swiftly condemned the purchase, highlighting the breed's severe health issues linked to selective breeding for flat faces.
PETA Condemns 'Born to Suffer' Breeding Practices
PETA's Vice President of Programmes, Elisa Allen, exclusively told Daily Mail that flat-faced breeds like French bulldogs are "born to suffer" due to unnaturally pushed-in snouts that cause breathing difficulties. The charity criticised Ferry and Swinney for supporting "greedy breeders" who prioritise appearance over animal welfare, urging them to adopt from shelters instead. Allen emphasised that these dogs struggle with basic activities like chasing a ball due to restricted airways, and the public must stop endorsing such practices.
Ferry's Emotional Response and Fan Criticism
Chloe Ferry explained on social media that the puppy was a surprise gift after she lost her previous French bulldog, Ivy, six months ago, leaving her distraught. She expressed happiness at seeing her other dog, Narla, playing again and welcomed Olive as a new sister. However, fans joined PETA in criticising the decision, with comments urging "adopt, don't shop" and noting that blue French bulldogs are particularly prone to health issues. One fan wrote, "Puppies are cute, but so, so sad to see people buying breeds with breathing impairments who will never be able to fully enjoy what it means to be a dog."
Health Risks of French Bulldogs Explained
According to research, French bulldogs face numerous health problems tied to their extreme body shape, including grossly shortened muzzles, large heads, and skin folds. These features, often seen as "cute" or "desirable," lead to breathing issues, sore eyes, and other disorders. A 2021 study by the Royal Veterinary College analysed 24,631 dogs, finding French bulldogs at significantly higher risk for 20 common disorders, such as narrowed nostrils (42 times higher risk) and obstructive airways syndrome (31 times higher).
Dan O'Neill of the Royal Veterinary College stressed the need to shift breeding standards towards more moderate characteristics to reduce health risks. He noted that while the Kennel Club has updated breed standards to move away from extreme conformations, owners must demand dogs with healthier features. The study highlighted that French bulldogs also face elevated risks for ear discharge, skin fold dermatitis, and difficulty giving birth, underscoring the urgency for change in breeding practices.
Daily Mail has contacted Chloe Ferry's representatives for comment, but no response has been reported yet. The incident has sparked broader discussions on ethical pet ownership and the consequences of supporting breeds with inherent health issues.
