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Charities criticise flat-faced dog’s Crufts win
RSPCA says the dog's short muzzle and pinched nostrils would cause it suffering.
A French bulldog won in the Utility Group.

Leading dog charities have criticised Crufts, after it awarded a French bulldog, known as Elton, first place in the Utility Group 2024.

The charities, Blue Cross and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), took to the social media platform X to condemn the win, with Blue Cross warning it would ‘glamourise’ extreme breeding.

RSPCA also drew attention to the French bulldog’s exaggerated features, mentioning his short muzzle and pinched nostrils. It said that those traits could cause a dog suffering.

It says that, as well as breathing difficulties, dogs resulting from extreme breeding can suffer from skin, dental, spinal, brain and eye problems.

RSPCA has launched its 'Born to Suffer' campaign, encouraging supporters to pledge online against extreme breeding.

Dr Samantha Gaines, RSPCA dog welfare experts, said: “We are hugely disappointed that a French bulldog with an extremely short muzzle and pinched nostrils has been awarded Best in Breed at Crufts on Thursday.

“The breed standard states these dogs should have a well-defined muzzle and wide open nostrils, so awarding Best of Breed and Group as well as allowing this dog to compete for Best in Show sends completely the wrong message.”

However, Crufts Kennel Club has said that the French bulldog had passed all relevant veterinary health assessments. It said that the health and welfare of dogs is a priority.

Charlotte McNamara, head of health at The Kennel Club, said: “He has a grade 0 score on The Kennel Club/University of Cambridge breathing assessment that was carried out prior to the show - and which from Crufts 2025 will be mandatory for all French bulldogs, pugs and bulldogs before they compete - meaning he is clinically unaffected by brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). 
 
“Elton has also passed the show vet check, which is given to all dogs before group judging, and to some breed winners to ensure there are no visible signs of health concerns.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."