Pet Advocacy Network Slams PETA’s Lawsuit Over Breed Standards for French Bulldogs, Other Breeds

Misguided Policy Condemns Some of America’s Favorite Breeds, Limits Responsible Pet Ownership

Alexandria, Va. – On Tuesday, the radical animal liberation group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) sued the American Kennel Club (AKC) for upholding standards for French bulldogs, pugs, dachshunds, and other beloved breeds. 

According to the Associated Press, PETA claims the AKC’s official breed standards “promot[e] unhealthy physical features.”

Sandy Moore, Chief Executive Officer at the Pet Advocacy Network (PAN)—a nonprofit trade association for pet businesses and the policy voice of the responsible pet care community—issued the following statement in response: 

“The Pet Advocacy Network could not disagree more strongly with PETA’s absurd claims that AKC standards provide ‘blueprint[s] for the breeding of deformed, unhealthy dogs.’ PETA, which opposes pet ownership, ignores veterinary science and the responsibly bred dogs that lead happy, healthy lives with loving families across the country. Dog lovers should be outraged by this attempted restriction on responsible pet ownership and their freedom to choose the ideal four-legged companion.”