The Norwegian Society for the Protection of Animals (NSPCA) works to stop the unethical breeding of pedigree dogs.
It believes that some breeds have now accumulated so many serious health conditions that the further breeding of them is in breach of Animal Welfare Law. It believes that the breeding of the English Bulldog and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in Norway does not meet the legal animal welfare criteria laid down in the Norwegian Animal Welfare Act of 2009.
As a test case the NSPA is now taking the Norwegian Kennel Club, two breed clubs and selected breeders to court.
The NSPA is of the opinion that a number of breeds are too sick to continue breeding them. In addition, the lack of genetic diversity makes it impossible to breed robust and healthy animals within the remaining breed gene pool. Based on this evidence the NSPA  believes the outcrossing of these breeds is the only available option.
Dog breeders, breed clubs and kennel clubs will be keenly awaiting the result of this legal action.

A team of researchers at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) have launched a study to investigate the 'Pandemic Puppy' phenomenon in the UK which raises major welfare concerns for dogs. These include impulse purchase by owners who are unable to provide an appropriate lifestyle and socialisation for a dog. It is also likely that a huge demand for puppies will have led to inflated prices, increased levels of puppy farming and illegal importations.

The survey team aim to recruit the owners of any puppies purchased during 2019 or 2020 in order to compare the motivations and behaviours or 2020 'Pandemic Puppy' owners with owners of puppies purchased during 2019.

The results of the study will be used to understand any new welfare challenges facing puppies bought during the pandemic to improve the lives of these dogs.

DBRG urges puppy purchasers in 2019 and 2020 to participate in this vital research which is open from 10 November - 31 December 2020.

The survey link is: https://rvc.uk.com/pandemic-puppy-survey

This comprehensive and insightful 89 page report examines the impact on dog health and welfare of breeding dogs with unnatural or exaggerated body shapes (conformations).
The Report focuses on the health and welfare impact of breeding dogs with short (brachycephalic) faces and it makes very concerning reading. Not only the effect on dogs' ability to breathe and thermo-regulate but other physical consequences of such a conformation such as spinal problems, skin problems and dentition problems. Importantly the Report also identifies the impact of brachycephaly on species-specific behaviour, including communication with other dogs, mating, giving birth naturally and normal canine hygiene.
This Report brings home the damage human being have done to dogs over time in order to satisfy some idea of the 'perfect specimen' or cute pet. It also calls for action by kennel clubs, breed organisations, individual breeders and those who desire to own
such a dog. With the current popularity of short faced dogs such as Pugs, French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs the welfare impact and scale of suffering is huge.

A Code of Practice for Dog Breeding has been launched in England.
It is intended for all types of breeder both licensed and unlicensed and is within the background of current animal welfare legislation in England: the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Animal Welfare  Licensing Regulations 2018.
The Code of Practice covers Avoiding inherited diseases and and physical extremes; Providing a suitable environment; Protecting the health and welfare of breeding dogs; Preparing puppies for future life; Microchipping requirements; Finding suitable homes for puppies; and Using the AWF Puppy Contract.
It is intended that the Code will help breeders to achieve high standards; give confidence to puppy buyers; and provide dogs with the best possible care and the best possible chance of a long and healthy life.

The Animals Act 2014 enables the possibility to set regulations prohibiting the breeding of animals that have a certain condition or appearance that could affect the health and welfare of the animal or its offspring. The Animal Welfare Minister may also draw up rules for Dutch Kennel Club.
In March 2019 the Animal Welfare Minister announced enforcement criteria for breeding short muzzled dogs. These criteria include a minimum muzzle length (craniofacial ratio, CFR). [As a temporary concession to breeders one of the parent dogs may exceed the
minimum CFR of 0.3]. Other criteria include the shape of the skull, the nose and eyes
{Since 2015 all English Bulldogs used for breeding must have passed a respiratory function test}
The Animal Welfare Minister may prohibit certain breeds from participating in dog shows.
The Netherlands Kennel Club (Raad Van Beheer) thinks it is only a matter of time before the Government prohibits the Kennel Club registration of puppies from dogs whose breeders flout the law and before it becomes a criminal offence.

Measures include:

• breeders may care for a maximum of three bitches with puppies at any one time
  
• breeders are required to interact actively with the puppies for at least four hours every day
  
• a ban on the exhibition (dog shows) of dogs with exaggerated physical features which negatively affect welfare. The ban is intended to remove the incentive for breeding dogs with unhealthy traits and decrease the demand for such dogs. Minister Julia Klockner says, 'Animals are not there to fulfil the questionable aesthetic desires of their owners. They are not mascots. If breeding prevents any behaviour that is appropriate for the species, it is cruelty to animals.'
  
• Chaining dogs is banned
  
• Owners must walk their dogs at least twice a day for a total of at least an hour. Dogs should not be left alone all day
  

The new law is expected to come into force early in 2021.

In an effort to improve animal welfare, the French Government proposes that:

• owners of dogs and cats with exaggerated features ('hypertypes') will be obliged to have their animals sterilised
  
• the size of dog breeding establishments is limited to 20 breeding females
  
• microchipping will be compulsory for all dogs
  
• Puppies must stay with their mother until 10 weeks
  
• All breeders must be registered and have a unique registration number
  
• Dog breeders will no longer be able to advertise on general websites only on specialised websites
  
• Advertising dogs for sale with physical properties which could effect their health will be prohibited
  
• Maximum punishment for animal cruelty is increased to 5 years in prison and a lifelong ban
  
• The notion of dangerous breeds will be abolished - every dog will be judged on its behaviour not on its breed
  
• A national Animal Attorney is appointed for six years answerable only to the Minister for Animal Welfare
  

    
The French Kennel Club (SCC) says it has tried to correct 'hypertypes' for 15 years and have set up programs of corrective measures to select healthy animals The SCC also warns against a movement to ban hunting dogs in France because it would  result in the 'extinction' of more than 40 of the 58 national French dog breeds

Defra has launched its campaign to help puppy seekers avoid unscrupulous breeders and dealers. These people masquerade as small time, home breeders breeders but the reality is that the puppies have been bred and kept in poor conditions. Not to mention
the poor welfare of the parent dogs.
This campaign complements the coming into force on April 1 of 'Lucy's Law.'

The Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) is an expert, independent committee which provides 'independent, authoritative, impartial and timely advice, to Defra and the Scottish and Welsh Governments.