Dr. Fox takes on breed standards in latest column

When Dr. Michael Fox, well-known veterinarian, author and syndicated newspaper columnist, comes out swinging against breed standards, I start to have hope that breed standards for Connemaras as well as all animals will be banned in my lifetime.

Fox’s column on May 18, 2012, pulled no punches in attacking breed standards in a reply to a poor woman who just wanted to know why her sister’s Persian cats had constant tearing in their eyes.

Fox says the tearing is one of many chronic health problems often seen in purebred cats. Specifically with Persians, Fox says they have smashed faces that lead to breathing problems, respiratory infections, skins problems and turned-in eyelids. They also have abnormally large heads, resulting in the need for kittens to be delivered by cesarian section.

Fox says he avoids cats shows because the sight of the deformed cats, the result of selective breeding to actually attain these deformities, upsets him.

He adds that he used to lecture to cat and dog breeders, but, again, he can’t stomach it anymore because of his “strong opposition to what some misguided people, playing God, are doing to alter the genetics and structure of cats and dogs without consideration for animals’ health and well-being.”

How refreshing to read such words from a vet who isn’t afraid to ruffle a few clients’ feathers to stand up for what he believes. How long will it take for all veterinarians to take this position and force breed standards to be banned?