Bred basket cases

The appropriate marker for the home of the world’s first golden retriever is, I regret to say, a tombstone rather than a statue (your report, 11 August). Breeding dogs for certain unnatural physical traits has caused them to suffer from high rates of genetic defects.

While breeders churn out more puppies to sell to the unsuspecting, highly adoptable yet homeless dogs are literally dying for the lack of a good home.

Every time a puppy is born, a dog languishing in an animal shelter loses a chance of finding a loving home.

Breeding any dogs is utterly irresponsible and should be scorned, not celebrated.

BEN WILLIAMSON

People for the Ethical 
Treatment of Animals

London