The Netherlands has taken a bold step toward preventing animal suffering, with Minister Piet Adema recently announcing a ban on owning cats with folded ears and flat-nosed dogs within the country. Of course, animals with these characteristics often have to undergo unnecessary suffering in order to look a certain way, which often affects them for life.
Another ban to be imposed is a 'display ban', which will effectively stop advertisements for the animals being shown to the public. It is hoped that such a move, alongside the first ban, will help to abolish these animals from the country completely. While much has yet to be discussed involving the complexities of the ban, it is certainly a positive step in the right direction to help end animal suffering in the country.
During his announcement, Minister Adema stated: "“This subject affects me not only as a minister, but also as a person. We make life miserable for innocent animals, purely because we think they are 'beautiful' and 'cute'. That is why today we are taking a big step towards a Netherlands where no pet has to suffer from his or her appearance."
Other countries and states around the world have also implemented bans on harmful practices, such as animal fur and mink farming. South Korea has even announced that it plans to ban dog meat, a move that has gained much public support.