Norway Bans Bulldogs

“This is an historic day for our dogs. EVERYONE who loves dogs has reason to celebrate today!”

So enthused Animal Protection Norway (NSPA), in announcing the Oslo District Court’s landmark ruling that breeding bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a violation of the Norwegian Animal Welfare Act.

NSPA had brought the suit to the court last year, citing the debilitating health issues that these breeds suffer. British Bulldogs often have brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), resulting from their distinctive short skull and snout. The Cavalier King Charles are prone to heart defects, eye and joint problems, and headaches.

“For several decades, sick dogs have been bred in violation of Norwegian law,” NSPA wrote. “Our dogs have been victims of systematic and organized betrayal of our four-legged friends. Today it has been confirmed that this is illegal.”

But the ruling does not constitute an outright ban so much as a nuanced allowance for “serious and scientifically based cross-breeding” that could potentially eliminate the health problems associated with these doggos. We shall see how that works out.

NSPA has an explainer here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyH20Hwtqik.

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