People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has initiated legal action against the American Kennel Club (AKC), urging them to discontinue breeding standards that they claim result in “deformed” and “unhealthy” dogs.
The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday in Manhattan, contends that the AKC’s standards for breeds like French bulldogs and pugs promote unsafe breeding practices.
PETA is asking the court to prevent AKC from endorsing these standards, which they argue lead to “deformities, significant suffering, and premature deaths” among these animals.
“If a dog is gasping just to breathe, something is seriously wrong,” PETA stated in their court filing. “French bulldogs, pugs, and other intentionally deformed breeds wheeze, snort, and struggle to breathe because the American Kennel Club (AKC) prioritizes appearance over health.”
In response, the AKC issued a statement asserting that they do not create breed standards. Instead, they claim to focus on ensuring these classifications are clear, consistent, and aligned with the breeds’ health and function.
“The AKC has been — and remains — firmly committed to the health, well-being, and proper treatment of all dogs,” the organization said. “We categorically reject PETA’s mischaracterizations of specific breed standards and their assertion that these standards create unhealthy dogs.”
They further emphasized, “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.”
“We are proud of our legacy and unwavering in our mission to protect the health, heritage, and well-being of purebred dogs — now and into the future,” the AKC concluded.
