Should we ban the breeding of pedigree dogs because of their health issues?

Pete the Vet asks if Ireland should follow as Norway makes it against the law to breed English Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Pete the Vet: Last week, in a historic court ruling in Norway, the breeding of English Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels was officially banned on health grounds.

Many pedigree dogs are far too heavily inbred, leading to high levels of inherited conditions that cause the dogs to suffer. Furthermore, some dog breeds are deliberately bred to have an appearance that is predictably linked to discomfort, pain and ill health.

Objective facts support this bleak truth about the poor health of pedigree dogs: it costs over 25% more to get them insured, because the pet insurance companies realise that they are far more likely to fall ill.