PETA files suit against American Kennel Club, demanding end to 'deformed' breeding
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) specifically targeted some of the most popular breeds of man's best friend — bulldogs, French bulldogs, pugs, dachshunds and the Chinese shar-pei.
Plaintiffs asked the Manhattan Supreme Court to stop AKC from backing these standards which allegedly "cause deformities, great suffering and premature death" to these animals.
AKC said it did not "create breed standards," but instead works to ensure these classifications "are clear, consistent, and continue to reflect the breed's health, function, and type."
"The AKC has been — and remains — firmly committed to the health, well-being, and proper treatment of all dogs," according to an AKC statement.
"We categorically reject PETA's mischaracterizations of specific breed standards and their assertion that these standards create unhealthy dogs."
The targeted breeds include unique features such as short, upturned or flat noses seen on the faces of bulldogs, French bulldogs and pugs.
The short-legged elongated bodies of dachshunds and unique skin folds of the Chinese shar-pei may bring smiles and approving nods in homes, dog walk parks, animal shelters and pet stores across America, but PETA advocates claim these human smiles come at a terrible cost to these dogs.
The Frenchie is AKC's most popular breed, with short noses and other facial and mouth "distortions" and "deformities" that "give rise to a chronic, debilitating, respiratory syndrome," according to the lawsuit.
PETA says t he bulldog 's large skull and "short-faced head" are "distortions of the normal structures of the face, mouth and airway" which "all contribute to the the obstruction of airflow and severaly impede breathing."
The dachshund 's low-to-the-ground body and tiny legs are the "animal equivalent of a poorly designed bridge" which cause back aches and "significant needless pain and suffering," according to PETA.
The lawsuit states in addition to their pressed faces, pugs have prominent eyes with "unnaturally shallow eye sockets" which "interfere with their ability to blink and spread tears across their eyes," leading to "extremely painful conditions."
The Chinese shar-pei is known for its unique skin folds which are "highly prone to infection and inflammation," leading to "lifelong discomfort, irritation, infection and pain," according to PETA.
The AKC counters that the "health and welfare of dogs are paramount and at the core of our mission."
"AKC advocates that all dogs be bred to produce healthy, well-adjusted companions. AKC remains proud of its legacy and resolute in its mission to protect the health, heritage, and well-being of purebred dogs — now and into the future."
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NBC News
3 days ago
- NBC News
PETA files suit against American Kennel Club, demanding end to 'deformed' breeding
PETA filed a state lawsuit on Tuesday against the American Kennel Club, in hopes of forcing the influential group to ditch breeding standards that allegedly lead to "deformed, unhealthy" canines. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) specifically targeted some of the most popular breeds of man's best friend — bulldogs, French bulldogs, pugs, dachshunds and the Chinese shar-pei. Plaintiffs asked the Manhattan Supreme Court to stop AKC from backing these standards which allegedly "cause deformities, great suffering and premature death" to these animals. AKC said it did not "create breed standards," but instead works to ensure these classifications "are clear, consistent, and continue to reflect the breed's health, function, and type." "The AKC has been — and remains — firmly committed to the health, well-being, and proper treatment of all dogs," according to an AKC statement. "We categorically reject PETA's mischaracterizations of specific breed standards and their assertion that these standards create unhealthy dogs." The targeted breeds include unique features such as short, upturned or flat noses seen on the faces of bulldogs, French bulldogs and pugs. The short-legged elongated bodies of dachshunds and unique skin folds of the Chinese shar-pei may bring smiles and approving nods in homes, dog walk parks, animal shelters and pet stores across America, but PETA advocates claim these human smiles come at a terrible cost to these dogs. The Frenchie is AKC's most popular breed, with short noses and other facial and mouth "distortions" and "deformities" that "give rise to a chronic, debilitating, respiratory syndrome," according to the lawsuit. PETA says t he bulldog 's large skull and "short-faced head" are "distortions of the normal structures of the face, mouth and airway" which "all contribute to the the obstruction of airflow and severaly impede breathing." The dachshund 's low-to-the-ground body and tiny legs are the "animal equivalent of a poorly designed bridge" which cause back aches and "significant needless pain and suffering," according to PETA. The lawsuit states in addition to their pressed faces, pugs have prominent eyes with "unnaturally shallow eye sockets" which "interfere with their ability to blink and spread tears across their eyes," leading to "extremely painful conditions." The Chinese shar-pei is known for its unique skin folds which are "highly prone to infection and inflammation," leading to "lifelong discomfort, irritation, infection and pain," according to PETA. The AKC counters that the "health and welfare of dogs are paramount and at the core of our mission." "AKC advocates that all dogs be bred to produce healthy, well-adjusted companions. AKC remains proud of its legacy and resolute in its mission to protect the health, heritage, and well-being of purebred dogs — now and into the future."
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Why does Ben Shelton have red marks on his arms?
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BEN Shelton came from a set down to defeat Lorenzo Sonego and reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the first time. But during the match fans noticed some big red marks on the arms of America's world No. 10 — here's everything you need to know about them. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Ben Shelton is through to the Wimbledon 2025 quarter-finals Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 3 During the match, large red marks could be seen on his shoulder Credit: ESPN Wearing his trademark tank top for the round four Wimbledon 2025 clash with Lorenzo Sonego, strange dark red and purple patches could be seen on Ben Shelton's arms and body during the contest. These circular marks are the result of cupping therapy — an ancient healing technique that has become increasingly popular among athletes seeking natural ways to enhance recovery, manage pain and improve performance. The distinctive round, reddish-purple marks left on the skin are a hallmark of the practice. They are caused by the suction effect of the cups breaking tiny blood vessels — known as capillaries — just under the skin's surface. read more on ben shelton Unforced error BBC pundit left red-faced as Wimbledon star corrects her mistake live on TV What is cupping therapy? Cupping involves placing glass, plastic or silicone cups on the skin and creating a vacuum by either heating the air inside the cup or using a mechanical pump. This suction pulls the skin and underlying tissue upward, which expands blood vessels and increases blood flow to the area. It also stretches fascia — a type of connective tissue found throughout the body, which is primarily made from collagen — and helps to release muscle knots and tension, stimulates the immune system. It does this by creating a mild, localised inflammatory response, which can promote healing and draw impurities to the surface, making it easier for the body to eliminate them. Why do people use cupping therapy? Cupping therapy has a long history, rooted in the traditional medicine of Chinese, Egyptian and Middle Eastern cultures. The Ebers Papyrus — one of the oldest medical textbooks in the world from 1550 BC — describes how the ancient Egyptians used cupping therapy for treating fever, pain, vertigo, menstrual problems and other ailments. BBC pundit left red-faced as Wimbledon star Ben Shelton corrects her embarrassing blunder live on TV Today, the healing practice is widely used by athletes and non-athletes alike for several reasons. Healing Cupping is commonly sought for its ability to reduce muscle pain and tension. The suction increases blood flow to targeted areas, helping to alleviate soreness and promote faster recovery from injuries or strenuous activity. Enhanced circulation is another benefit — by drawing blood to the surface, cupping improves local circulation, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to tissues and accelerating the healing process. 3 Cupping can help Ben's muscles recover after gruelling on-court battles Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Improved blood flow aids in flushing out metabolic waste and toxins from the tissues, which is believed to support the body's natural detoxification processes. Relaxation and stress reduction The therapy can have a calming effect on the nervous system. It helps to reduce stress and promote a sense of relaxation similar to a deep tissue massage. This is why many non-athletes also enjoy the practice recreationally. Muscle recovery Cupping speeds up muscle recovery after intense training sessions. The increased circulation helps repair micro-tears and reduce inflammation. By loosening tight muscles and connective tissues, cupping can increase range of motion and decrease stiffness as well.
North Wales Live
3 days ago
- North Wales Live
Mum says picture taken at nursery saved her son's life
A grateful mum says a picture of her son having fun at nursery saved his life when the camera flash revealed a rare cancer lurking in his eye. Laura Davies said her husband Tom Davies, 39, first noticed a strange cloudiness in their two-year-old son Sidney's left eye in April. The 39-year-old said at the time she searched online for information relating to cloudy eyes but all that came up was information about cataracts. But when Sidney's nursery took a picture of him as he enjoyed a day in the sensory room, the camera flash revealed his left eye was cloudy compared to his right. After a visit to her GP and Specsavers, Sidney was eventually referred to Birmingham Children's Hospital and had an ultrasound. He was diagnosed with retinoblastoma on May 19 - a rare eye cancer that can affect young children. Doctors decided the best course of action would be to remove the eye and Sidney underwent the operation on May 27. Laura said she 'burst out crying' when doctors told her Sidney had the all clear on June 11 and would not need any chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Laura, from Mold, Flintshire, said: "His nursery saved his life by taking that photo. "He was basically sat in his high chair opposite the French doors in our kitchen and my husband was like, 'his eye doesn't look right.' It basically looked cloudy. It was literally just when he was looking to the left. I've got to be honest I probably wouldn't have noticed it. "His nursery took a photo of him in the sensory room and that's when it showed it [Sidney's eye] white. It was almost like it was reflecting the light, it's really hard to describe. It was like his eye wasn't there, it was like a mirror. "He [Sidney] coped with it so well and I think the boys gave me strength as well. It was so scary seeing him go for the operations. I think we went into mum and dad mode. You kind of just get through it. Afterwards when we found out that he was okay and he didn't need any chemotherapy then it all hit me if I'm honest. "I burst out crying [when he got the all clear]. It was such a relief." Sidney currently has a temporary plastic shell called a conformer fitted in his eye socket but is undergoing another operation in July to have a prosthetic eye fitted. Laura said doctors also discovered Sidney's retina was detached, and they were not sure how long it had been since he had been able to see out of his left eye. He will have to wear protective goggles when he plays sport, but other than that Laura hopes her son will be largely unaffected by the prosthetic. Laura said: "It was horrendous. We were so worried, we expected it but you know when you're actually hearing those words it's a different story. It was a lot to take in. "I was obviously upset about the fact that he needed to have his eye removed. All the thoughts run through your head of how they are going to cope in school and kids are horrible and things like that. But I was also looking at it and thinking, 'I just want it out' because you could literally see it. "In terms of the effects on him it's been quite minimal because he's already dealt with that himself, not being able to see out of that eye. I keep saying to people, 'I would never have known.' "I've always said he's very careful. He will go down the steps very carefully unlike my other son who is older and who's like a bull at a gate. "You sort of think back and think, 'maybe that's why?' but he's a happy boy, he showed no signs of this. We didn't notice that he couldn't see out of his eye. "It's funny because people have said when they see him on the school run and things that he's got a new lease of life. I don't know whether it was bothering him before, whether it was blurry. We'll never know really." Laura's husband is taking part in a sponsored walk up and down Moel Famau, the highest hill in the Clwydian Range, 12 times in 12 hours with family and friends to raise money for Birmingham Children's hospital. The distance will be around 40 miles in total and Laura said she and their two children are planning to join him for the last summit. Specsavers Broughton Park Ophthalmic director Kelly Gibson said: "We're incredibly grateful that Laura attended with her son, Sidney, to see us after being alerted by a concern from his nursery. It's reassuring to know that I was able to ensure he received the urgent care he needed. We're relieved that his condition was caught early, and he received treatment in a timely manner. "Stories like this are a powerful reminder of how important it is to attend for an eye examination if you ever notice a change or feel that something isn't quite right with your eyes. It also highlights the importance of eye examinations for children, whether it is due to a concern or a routine review, we look after all ages. An eye examination can sometimes uncover signs of more serious health conditions, and acting early can make all the difference." To donate to the JustGiving page follow the link: The NHS describes retinoblastoma as a rare eye cancer that can affect young children and says it can be in one of both eyes and affects the back of the eye. The NHS says it can be treated successfully if it is found early and is often linked to a change in gene that controls the growth of the eye.
