PETA: Most Indian Pet Shops & Breeders Operate Illegally

Mumbai: PETA’s Indian arm has launched an awareness campaign regarding the cruel and unnecessary breeding practices used for many popular modern dog breeds. Such practices have led to a rise of pet dog breeds which have physical deformities which lead to a poorer quality of life, such as flat-faced animals struggling to breathe. 

PETA’s director of veterinary services Dr Mini Aravindan said, “PETA India urges everyone to turn their nose up at the cruel breeding industry responsible for pugs’ misery and adopt a dog in need from an animal shelter instead.” 

Pugs and other snub-nosed or flat-faced dogs include French and English bulldogs, Pekingese, Boston terriers, boxers, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, and Shih Tzus. Such animal breeds suffer due to being brachycephalic, which is the scientific term for flat-faced animals. Such a deformity may be aesthetically desirable, but it leads to a lower quality of life, as it causes them to pant, snort, wheeze, and struggle to breathe in general.

This can hamper their quality of life, as such animals struggle to run, play, or be very active, since these are all aspects hindered by their brachycephalic nature. The situation is grim to the point where countries like Austria, Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands have all either banned or are working on a ban to restrict the breeding of brachycephalic animals, according to PETA.

PETA India also says that most pet shops and breeders in the country are illegal, since they are not registered with the necessary state and animal welfare boards. Illegally operated establishments often deprive dogs of the proper care, diet, socialization, and medical attention they require.