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Pet breeding under scrutiny
Pet Insurance News
31 May 2006 Pet breeding under scrutiny
The breeding of bizarre-looking pets by excessive inbreeding may soon be restricted by law. A study from the Companion Animal Welfare Council (CAWC) has been forwarded to the minister responsible for animal welfare, Ben Bradshaw, who says the document could have some role to play in defining the government's animal welfare bill, according to the Sunday Times.
Animals such as hairless sphinx cats and St Bernard dogs, bred to have increased folds and jowls, can suffer pain and discomfort from their overly-emphasised features, says the report.
Mr Bradshaw remarked: "The CAWC report is particularly well-timed, given the opportunity the animal welfare bill offers to government to support measures to raise breeding standards."
In addition to the discomfort suffered by some animals, inbreeding is well-known to cause increased susceptibility to genetic flaws and diseases. Some pet insurance providers offer increased premiums to take account of this.
Last year, Sainsbury's Bank found that 37 per cent of pedigree dog owners and 24 per cent of pedigree cat owners claimed on their pet insurance, compared to 22 per cent and 16 per cent of crossbred dogs and cats respectively.
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