Government’s Strict Health Check for Dogs
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare has revealed a brutal new 10-point checklist designed to sniff out extreme physical traits that harm dogs’ health. Breeds will be scored on issues like:
- Excessive skin folds
- Bulging or outward-turning eyes
- Drooping eyelids
- Mottled skin colouration
- Severe underbites or overbites
- Muzzle shapes that hinder breathing
Only dogs scoring less than eight out of ten will be allowed to breed. While voluntary now, this could become law within five years.
Iconic Breeds Face the Chop
A whopping 67 popular breeds are on the chopping block if inspectors enforce the checklist strictly. That includes the Corgi, famously favoured by the late Queen Elizabeth II. The breed’s short legs could see it banned due to health risks linked to low chest height — which can cause spinal deformities and painful joint problems.
