The Norwegian Society for the Protection of Animals (NSPA) wins their prosecution against the Norwegian Kennel Club, and breeders of English Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
This means that because of the severe health problems of these two breeds they may no longer be bred in Norway as 'pure' breeds. However, they can be crossed with another breed in a scientifically controlled way to ensure good health.

Ashild Roaldset from the NSPA said that for several decades, sick dogs have been bred in violation of Norwegian law and that what has taken place is a systematic and organised betrayal of our four legged friends. Today it has been confirmed that this is illegal.

Dog breeders, puppy buyers, welfare organisations and government in the UK need to take note of this.
Does it mean that at last it is the dogs' health and welfare which will be put first rather than the needs of humans?
Will the UK and other nations follow Norway's lead or will it result in a battle to protect the institutions and human beings who wish to retain 'breed purity'?

Whatever the case, the NSPCA and Oslo District Court have sent a message to the world of dogs and put canine health and welfare first. They are to be congratulated.

A historical development to protect animals was announced in the Queen's Speech. The Government has promised that new legislation which recognises animal sentience in all vertebrates will be enacted. This goes some way to ensure that the UK has and promotes the highest standards of animal welfare. It acknowledges that our society's understanding of who other animals are has evolved and that our laws must evolve to reflect the new awareness. We must recognise animals as sentient beings with language, intelligence and emotions deserving of legal protection from cruelty and neglect.

This new legislation which comes into force on 29 April 2021 increases the maximum sentence for worst animal cruelty offences from six months to five years in England and Wales

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.