Ethics of extreme breeding

Read each statement and fill in the correct missing words on your worksheet using the word bank below.

Word bank: coat, nostrils, tail, cropped, stomach, protruding, wrinkles, ears, temperature

• Small or closed _______ can severely impact airflow and affect a dog’s ability to exercise, regulate temperature, and sleep comfortably.
• A _______ snout helps a dog breathe properly.
• Rats use their tails for regulating their _________  but sadly some rats are bred to have no tail.
• Excessive skin and _______ around the face can lead to skin problems including infections.
• Forward folding ______ on a cat are associated with a painful condition which affects their bones and cartilage.
• Ears should never be _______ unless medically necessary.
• A cat's _______  is important for protecting the skin from ultraviolet rays.
• A _______ should be able to move freely to communicate emotions and should not be tightly docked.
• Rabbits with long hair have difficulty grooming themselves. When grooming they may ingest large amounts of hair which can cause a blockage in their ________.

Look at a selection of images on your worksheet.

For each image:

• Describe the physical features of the animal
• Then, tick which issues you think might arise from the below list:
  • Skin sores 
  • Difficulty walking 
  • Spinal conditions 
  • Joint pain 
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Eye ulcers and infections 
  • Ear disease
  • Dental problems

Once you have noted the health issues:

• Consider how these health issues might affect the animal’s behaviour.
• Write notes on the potential behavioural issues, such as possible signs of discomfort, stress, or frustration.
   

As part of your research, reflect on the questions below. Then, interview three to five people and summarise their responses:

• What do you think a healthy pet looks like?
• Would you ever choose a pet with extreme features (e.g., flat-faced dogs)? Why or why not?
• What problems (health or financial) can arise when animals are bred for extreme physical features?
• Do you think it is OK to breed pets with extreme features that compromise their health?
• What changes do you think would encourage people to choose breeds based on health and welfare rather than extreme features?