Fashion victims: Help us end this harmful trend
Flat faces, folded ears, short legs and wrinkly skin may be considered ‘cute’, but these exaggerated features can cause a lifetime of pain and suffering.
Whether they’re a pug or a Persian, a lop-eared rabbit or a bubble-eye goldfish, these animals are beloved, popular pets – but most people are completely unaware of the harm they experience or the high emotional and financial impact on owners.
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The truth about extreme conformation
Intentionally breeding animals to look a certain way can lead to heartbreaking consequences. The hidden costs of extreme conformations include life-altering health conditions – such as breathing problems, painful skin conditions, spinal deformities and dental issues. But the strain is more than physical; it’s emotional and financial, too.
Our pets are paying the price of ‘perfection’ – we need to do more to protect their health. And we can, by enforcing better breeding standards, taking our own action on social media, spreading awareness and asking the UK Government to strengthen breeding regulations.
Sign our letter today and tell decision makers these breeding trends aren’t cute – their looks come at a cost.
Farmed animals deserve better lives
Low welfare farming is the single biggest ÅÝܽÊÓƵ issue on the planet. But there’s small changes we can all make to help tackle animal suffering on this huge scale.
How I can make a changeMillions of animals are suffering purely because they’ve been bred to look appealing to humans. It’s one of the biggest welfare problems our pets face today. We have dogs with no tails to wag, cats who can’t play outside, fish who can’t swim, birds who can’t fly, and reptiles without scales. We can all play our part in changing this.
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The price our pets pay
Across the UK, millions of pets – including dogs, cats, rabbits, reptiles, birds and fish – are being intentionally bred for exaggerated, unnatural physical features. While these traits are often sought after for their aesthetic appeal, they cause serious, preventable health problems and compromise animals' ability to perform important natural behaviours.
This problem is entirely human-driven – and within our power to fix.
In this short film, TV personality and animal advocate, Olivia Bowen, explores the harm caused by these extreme conformations, and how to put an end to it.
Report a concern
Worried about farm animal cruelty or neglect? Use our tool to report it quickly and get them the help they need.
