THINK YOU’RE AN ETHICAL PET OWNER? PERHAPS YOU SHOULD THINK AGAIN

French bulldogs may be the most sought-after dog breed in the United States, but their existence raises ethical questions, as noted by US-based bioethicist Jessica Pierce.

Pierce has spent years pondering this issue, noting that much of the breeding decisions are driven by human cultural or aesthetic preferences rather than the well-being of the dogs themselves.

Historically, dogs were bred for practical purposes such as sledding, hunting, or herding. However, contemporary breeding practices often prioritize appearance over function, with flat-faced breeds gaining popularity.

Pierce finds the trend toward brachycephalic (short-headed) breeds, like the French bulldog, troubling. These dogs often suffer from health issues due to their exaggerated features, which compromise their quality of life.

According to Pierce, these breeds are not bred with the intention of ensuring a fulfilling, happy, and healthy life.

Interestingly, flat-faced dogs have a rich historical background.

Pugs are thought to have originated in China as early as the fourth century BCE.

Moreover, a recent discovery reported in the Journal of Archaeological Science unveiled a dog skull dating back to the Roman period, found in western Turkey. The researchers suggest that this canine, which lived between 169 BC and 8 AD, resembled modern small breeds like the French bulldog, indicating a longstanding presence of such flat-faced canines.

Can You Really Afford Your Pet?

While genetically mutated dogs may have existed for millennia, in the present era, it’s imperative to reassess our approach to breeding, purchasing, and caring for pets.

Wildlife scientist Ellie Sursara advocates for such a shift in perspective.

“[It’s one thing] … buying a puppy impulsively simply because it’s adorable [often sourced from puppy mills],” she explains. “That’s distinct from adopting a pet from the RSPCA and committing to providing it with a loving home, along with the necessary time and resources for its well-being.”

Ms. Sursara doesn’t solely take issue with impulse pet purchases; she also contends that prospective pet owners should demonstrate their ability to afford proper care for specific breeds before making a purchase.

“There are certain dogs that may require a certain level of financial stability to properly care for,” she remarks.

Ms. Sursara highlights French bulldogs as a prime example. “They’re a breed that necessitates a reasonably affluent owner because … they typically require airway-clearing surgery at around three or four months to enhance their quality of life,” she explains.

However, brachycephalic breeds aren’t the sole dogs facing genetic complexities. “I’ve known many people with golden retrievers, and while they’re lovely dogs, if not acquired from a specific breeder, they may develop hip dysplasia,” Ms. Sursara notes. “[Some] individuals may lack the financial means for such care, yet they’re devoted to their pets and refrain from euthanasia, despite it potentially being in the dog’s best interest.”

As a result, many golden retrievers endure 11 years of severe arthritic discomfort.”

Providing Care, Against the Odds

Australia boasts one of the world’s highest rates of pet ownership, with over two-thirds of the population welcoming an animal companion into their homes.

While certain pets, such as goldfish, require minimal expenses for care, others can become significant financial commitments.

For instance, Australians typically spend approximately $3,200 annually on their dogs alone.

Recent survey results from Pet Insurance Australia reveal that over 20 percent of pet owners are reducing the frequency of regular check-ups and preventive care appointments for their pets. This trend is attributed, at least in part, to the pressures of rising living costs.

In April, Foodbank Australia released a report indicating that 14 percent of respondents had relinquished their pets in the past year due to financial difficulties. Additionally, nearly a quarter of respondents admitted to sacrificing meals to ensure their pets could eat.

“Pet ownership comes with expenses,” notes Ms. Sursara, who provides care for several rescue animals, both domestic and native.

However, affluent pet owners don’t always provide the highest level of care.

Dr. Pierce highlights research indicating that pet owners in the US often allocate more funds towards items like new televisions or alcoholic beverages than they do towards their pets’ well-being.

“It’s not necessarily a lack of financial means; rather, it’s a matter of prioritizing spending in ways that might not align with what we deem morally preferable,” she explains.

Nonetheless, animal historian and Russian Orthodox priest John Simons emphasizes that even individuals with limited resources can still offer excellent care for their pets.

“I previously volunteered at a night shelter catering to homeless individuals,” recalls the emeritus professor from Macquarie University.

“At the shelter, we allowed people to bring their pets, and surprisingly, these animals received exceptional care.

“Despite the considerable challenges faced by their owners, challenges that most of us would struggle to cope with, they prioritized the well-being of their animals.”

Becoming A Better Pet Parent

For Dr Pierce, the distinction between good pet owners, or “guardians”, and bad ones is too sharp.

“We are all imperfect,” she says.

She is certain that everyone who lives with an animal could be doing a better job — herself included.

“When I had my previous dog, Maya, I strongly believed that extensive training was essential, thinking that being a responsible dog owner meant teaching her to walk politely behind me on a leash,” reflects Dr. Pierce.

“However, I’ve come to realize that this approach wasn’t suitable for her; it went against her natural instincts.”

Dr. Pierce advocates for a collaborative relationship between humans and dogs, rejecting the notion of humans being the sole “leaders.” Instead, she believes in mutual learning and cooperation.

“I believe we can develop a more compassionate and practical relationship with animals with whom we share affectionate bonds,” she states.

Part of this evolution involves posing uncomfortable questions. “One overarching question is whether a culture that promotes pet ownership ultimately harms animals on a large scale,” Dr. Pierce notes, citing issues such as animal abandonment and overcrowded shelters.

While she acknowledges that living with animals can foster kindness and consideration, she disagrees with the idea that animals should be required for personal betterment.

“I do think that our acquisition of animals is often … selfishly motivated,” she says.

“I don’t know how many times a day I see some headline, or an announcement [saying], ‘If you’re lonely, get a pet. If you’re unhealthy, get a pet, it’ll make you better.’

“We’re not so much thinking about what the animal needs, but what we need and what the animal can give to us emotionally.”

The ‘sinister’ side of pet-breeding

Professor Simons suggests that our current understanding of pet ownership is a relatively recent development.

“Traditionally, up until around the mid-20th century, pets were often considered as tamed wild animals,” he notes. “In Tasmania, for instance, it was quite common for people to keep wallabies as pets.”

He highlights a class distinction associated with pet ownership, emphasizing that domesticated pets, specifically bred for companionship, were not commonplace until relatively recently.

But the history of pets has a less fluffy side.

The Victorian era witnessed a significant shift towards selective breeding for aesthetic appeal, as highlighted in a recent edition of the scholarly journal Animals.

“Pets became emblematic of Victorian conspicuous consumption, increasingly bred for their fashionable appearance,” the authors remarked.

According to Professor Simons, this trend was intertwined with eugenic ideologies.

“There are intriguing parallels between early dog breeders and proponents of racial eugenics theories,” he observes. “It’s a somewhat ominous legacy that persists today.”

For Professor Simons, extending kindness to animals is a fundamental human obligation.

“The ethical considerations of pet ownership extend beyond merely caring for a pet at home, whether it’s a dog, fish, or bird,” he explains. “These considerations permeate our entire relationship with animals and the environment, highlighting how we often commodify everything as a consequence of human existence, subject to our discretion in terms of usage and valuation.”