ZZF calls for legally binding list of criteria

The German Pet Trade and Industry Association (ZZF) is raising awareness about so-called cruel breeding with new explanatory videos on a campaign website. The association is also calling for studies and legally binding lists of cruel breeding characteristics. Some people select pets for breeding based on characteristics that look unusual or extraordinary, or that are currently in fashion. However, the planned or accidental extreme development or over-typing of certain characteristics in breeding can lead to animal welfare problems. “This is referred to as cruel breeding, defect breeding or extreme breeding,” explains Dr Stefan Hetz, certified biologist and scientific consultant for pets at the ZZF.

The ZZF explains how to prevent breeding practices that cause pain, suffering or harm to pets or their offspring on its new German and English campaign website www.prevent-extreme-breeds.com. In videos, Hetz explains which breeding characteristics breeders and animal lovers should pay attention to.

Examples of breeding characteristics that can severely impair animals' well-being include large, round heads and short jaw and nasal bones, which in dogs lead to increased breathing difficulties, swallowing problems and sleep problems. Cats with folded ears have a genetic defect that is associated with severe cartilage and bone damage throughout the body. Fish without dorsal fins or with extremely deformed tail fins are no longer able to move in a manner appropriate to their species. Certain colour morphs of reptiles show a greatly increased risk of cancer or neurological damage.

Politicians have a duty

The ZZF believes that politicians also have a duty to prevent cruel breeding practices. Although there are legal provisions on torture breeding in the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals, the German Animal Welfare Act and the 1999 expert opinion on Section 11b of the Animal Welfare Act, “the definition of cruel breeding characteristics of individual breeds and species is too vague and therefore repeatedly leads to demarcation problems,” explains ZZF President Norbert Holthenrich. “We need a nationally uniform list of criteria based on scientific principles that enables veterinarians, authorities, breeders and animal owners to objectively assess cruel breeding characteristics based on their severity,” Holthenrich urges. When breeding, the health of the animals should be the top priority; the diversity of pets is fascinating enough as it is.

What can animal owners do?

• The expert opinion on the Animal Welfare Act already describes some forms of cruel breeding. If a breed or morph is proven to have a poor genetic basis, animal lovers should not support the breeding of these animals.

• Beware of celebrities: animal lovers should not follow trends and keep animals with extreme breeding characteristics just because celebrities are seen with them.

• Reputable breeders disclose health certificates and breeding goals.

• Animal owners can help raise awareness about extreme breeding practices and share the ZZF videos.

Further information about cruel breeding practices:

In English: www.prevent-extreme-breeds.com