THE Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality Minister in the Netherlands, Piet Adema told a local news source on Friday, January 20 that dog breeds that suffer breathing problems and who suffer from other problems due to their small skulls and snouts will be banned in the very near future. This includes popular breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, Maltese, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas and Pomeranians.

Cats who also suffer from pain and lameness such as those bred to have folding ears are also likely to be included in the ban, although Adema emphasised that no definitive list has yet been agreed upon. He said that what people often find cute is harmful to the animal adding: “These people often have the best of intentions, but often don’t know that animals can suffer permanently. Dogs with a snout that is too short, for example, have to constantly gasp for breath.”

The proposed ban on dogs and cats has been widely welcomed by veterinarians and animal protection charities.