The Brachycephalic sub-group was formed in July 2022 and has members from UCD, ISPCA, Dogs Trust, Veterinary Ireland, Irish Kennel Club and DAFM. Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds of dog have a high risk of health and other welfare issues, including difficulty breathing, eye disease and skin infections. Many of these dogs require surgery to improve their quality of life. These are preventable conditions, caused by breeding for flat faces.
The Brachycephalic sub-group’s vision is, for all companion animals in Ireland to have an extremely high chance of excellent innate health, to help promote wellbeing throughout their lives.
This can be achieved through:
A. Substantial reduction in the demand for innately unhealthy animals, such as many brachycephalic animals
B. Elimination of breeding of innately unhealthy animals, such as many brachycephalic animals
The Brachycephalic sub group has published an open letter calling for advertisers and media organisations to refrain from unnecessary use of images of flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds of dogs https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/94e95-minister-mcconalogue-supports-call-to-reduce-use-of-images-of-flat-faced-brachycephalic-dogs/ and is co-ordinating a communications strategy amongst member organisations to highlight the welfare issues.