Animal rights organisation PETA has formally reached out to Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, urging him to cease the use of British bulldogs in his political campaign material, citing severe issues surrounding the breeding of the dogs. The letter follows Farage's recent revelation that he got a large tattoo of a bulldog as part of an April Fool’s joke, a gesture linked to the kick-off of his party's campaign for the upcoming local elections in Staffordshire on May 1.
PETA is critical of the bulldog breed, accusing breeders of creating what they describe as "Frankendogs" due to their intentionally deformed features, particularly their flat snouts. These physical traits have led to a range of serious health problems, including breathing difficulties, which campaigners argue reflect a broader issue with how certain dog breeds are marketed and perceived.
In a letter penned by PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk, specific attention was drawn to the medical implications of breeding practices. She stated, "The way they have been bred is causing them debilitating deformities, their breathing so laboured that they make us look like a nation of wheezing weaklings." Newkirk elaborated on the difficulties faced by bulldogs, equating their struggle for air to "trying to breathe through a really narrow straw," a situation that can lead to fatal conditions such as heart failure and suffocation.
PETA characterises bulldogs as Breathing Impaired Breeds (BIB), which suffer from greatly reduced airway capacity due to their bred characteristics. This condition manifests in various distressing symptoms including laboured breathing, snorting, gagging, and susceptibility to heatstroke and premature death. A spokesperson for the organisation noted that an increasing number of businesses and marketing agencies are making a conscious choice to stop using images of breeds that experience such suffering. This shift aims to curb the demand for dogs with problematic features.
The bulldog has long been associated with British culture, with its roots tracing back to the 5th century. Originally bred for bullbaiting, the breed's physical traits were designed for protection in these brutal spectacles, a practice that was outlawed in the 19th century. Over time, the bulldog became a popular family pet and a symbol of British resilience, often associated with qualities such as determination and bravery.
Representatives for Farage have been contacted for comment regarding PETA’s requests, which highlight a growing dialogue surrounding the ethics of breeding certain dog breeds and the responsibility of public figures in perpetuating these images.
Source: Noah Wire Services