Petition · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Ban the breeding of cats with extreme physical traits

Closed 65 signatures

What the petition asks

Ban the breeding of cats with extreme physical traits or inherited conditions that cause suffering, such as Scottish Fold, Manx and dwarf-type cats. Require strict licensing, health screening and full disclosure of risks if breeding is permitted.
These breeds face serious welfare issues. The Scottish Fold’s mutation causes lifelong cartilage and bone disease, while the Manx tailless gene can lead to spinal defects, incontinence and early death. Dwarf cats also suffer skeletal problems. Major registries refuse to recognise some of these breeds due to welfare concerns. Many countries ban these breeds, such as Australia and Austria. We believe legislation is needed to prevent avoidable suffering.

Timeline

20 Jan 2026 Petition opened for signatures
20 Jul 2026 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 65
Status Closed
Department Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Opened 20 Jan 2026
Closed 20 Jul 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 17 Aug 2026.