As many as 67 dog breeds could soon be prohibited in the United Kingdom under proposed new laws aimed at curbing selective breeding for aesthetic purposes. The legislation, which has been highlighted by animal rights group PETA, would target breeds that suffer from health issues due to their physical characteristics.
Current Banned Breeds
At present, it is illegal in the UK to own, sell, abandon, give away, or breed from a Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, or XL Bully. The classification is based on a dog's physical appearance rather than its breed name. Authorities can seize any dog believed to be a banned type, even without complaints or aggressive behavior.
Proposed New Restrictions
The potential ban would affect a wide range of breeds, including some of the most popular in the country, such as the shih tzu, Welsh corgi, and dachshund. PETA has published a full list of 67 breeds on its website. The organization argues that these dogs suffer from debilitating conditions caused by selective breeding for exaggerated features.
If the ban becomes law, licensed breeders would no longer be permitted to sell these breeds. However, existing dogs would not be made illegal, and they could still be adopted from shelters, according to PETA.
Full List of Breeds at Risk
The list includes: Affenpinscher, American Cocker Spaniel, Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, Basset, Basset Bleu, Basset Fauve, Beagle, Beauceron, Bergamasco, Bloodhound, Border Collie, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bracco, Brittany, Brussels Griffon, Bullmastiff, Bulldog, Cairn Terrier, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Cesky Terrier, Chihuahua, Chow Chow, Clumber Spaniel, Dachshund, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Dogue de Bordeaux, French Bulldog, Glen of Imaal Terrier, Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen, Great Dane, Japanese Chin, King Charles Spaniel, Lancashire Heeler, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff, Mudi, Neapolitan Mastiff, Newfoundland, Norfolk Terrier, Norwich Terrier, Old English Sheepdog, Pekingese, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, Polish Lowland Sheepdog, Pug, Pyrenean Mastiff, Pyrenean Shepherd, Rough Collie, Schipperke, Scottish Terrier, Sealyham Terrier, Shar Pei, Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie), Shih Tzu, Skye Terrier, Smooth Collie, Spanish Water Dog, St Bernard, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Sussex Spaniel, Swedish Vallhund, Tibetan Mastiff, and West Highland White Terrier.
The proposed legislation is part of a broader effort to improve animal welfare and reduce the health problems associated with extreme breeding practices.
