ABSTRACT
This chapter will describe issues and actions across regions and countries, especially Europe
AU: As per style, multiple para is not allowed in abstract. So we have merged into single para. Please check and confirm.
and North America, encompassing kennel and breed clubs, veterinary organisations, research institutions, regulators, humane groups and other non-profits, e.g. the International Partnership for Dogs (IPFD). An historical perspective is included, as this informs efforts and challenges in many regions. The stage of development, degree and focus of interest on the brachycephalic issue are diverse, and there is a real need to combine forces to avoid redundant efforts and to maximise the sharing of resources. The case will be made that an even more collective approach to the problem would improve the situation for brachycephalic dogs in a timelier fashion. Work on the brachycephalic issue, will – and should – impact and inform interest in other issues related to extreme characteristics in dogs. As also explored in the other chapters in this text, the issues affecting brachycephalic breed health and welfare are wide-ranging and complex, for individual dogs, breeds, populations, dog owners, researchers, veterinarians and the public in general. Human behaviours and beliefs are impacted not only by science but also by emotions, and therefore, expertise from the fields of communication and even psychology is needed. At a societal level, public concern and even outrage about poor dog welfare, in general, and for brachycephalic breeds, in specific, have motivated regulators and government agencies, with issues arising from and influenced by long held and even historical attitudes. Cultural, socio-economic and national differences complicate the situation further across countries. Sourcing of dogs, breeding, trade, transport and marketing are factors that interplay between human desires and animal welfare. Notwithstanding varied local challenges, brachycephalic health and welfare epitomise a dog problem requiring international efforts across multiple stakeholder groups.
