17/10/2024
Åshild is one of this years nominees for the Golden Star Award, for her great effort for ethical dog breeding:-)
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Introducing our next nominee for our Golden Star Award 2024.
To vote for Ashild like and share this photo and tell us why you think she deserves to be this year's Golden Star.
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Nominator's quote: "Åshild Roaldset (BVSc, DVM) is a Norwegian veterinarian, with a degree from Bristol School of Veterinary Science (2001).
After several years in clinical practice, she started working at the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science. First as the manager of the continued profession education unit, thereafter as the practice manager for the small animal and equine hospitals.
Åshild also holds a master’s degree in public health and has studied economy and leadership. She has been the CEO of the Norwegian Society for Protection of Animals (NSPA) since 2018.
Her tremendous effort for a fundamental shift in dog breeding is historical and unparalleled in a global context. She has been fighting for scientific breeding of all dogs, to ensure both their health and welfare.
Background
The way pure-bred dogs are bred today, has created the biggest animal welfare problem to dogs, of all times. Hundreds of years of breeding by lay people using closed stud books, has led to extensive inbreeding and an extremely high disease burden.
Here are two out of far too many examples:
• The life expectancy of a French bulldog is now 4,5 years.
• Researchers are now stating that from a health perspective, the pug can no longer be regarded as a dog.
There is no doubt that pure-bred breeding, represents one of the biggest dog welfare problems of our time. The problem is entirely man made and nobody is protecting our dogs from this outdated breeding system, not even the government.
Through Åshilds phenomenal leadership, the NSPA has worked tirelessly to move dog breeding into scientific hands, to improve the welfare of our companion dogs. In this controversial case, Åshild has been a fearless and clear voice.
Effects on animal welfare
Through Åshilds uncompromising effort, the NSPA was able to take legal action against the Norwegian Kennel club, two breed clubs and six breeders, for violating the Norwegian Animal Welfare act. The case went all the way to the Supreme court where the NSPA won on behalf of the dogs. The verdict confirms that breeding, which for years has perpetuated hereditary disorders and diseases, is not only unethical, but also an actual breach of Norwegian law. This ruling has set a new standard for work against unethical breeding, both nationally and internationally.
Before the NSPA went to court, there were few restrictions as to which individuals could be used for breeding. Individuals with severe breathing problems were commonly used in breeding. As a result of this lawsuit, breed clubs can no longer use these individuals, and the draft regulations are clear that this will not be allowed. There were also no ongoing crossbreeding projects for our companion dogs, whereas today, we have several projects going on in a number of different countries.
The NSPA’s work with dog breeding has resulted in changes to the wording of the breeding section in the Norwegian Animal Welfare Act, and better regulation to dog breeding is in the making. Along the way, we have experienced that even professionals have become much clearer and that they are also demanding a change. Many are now clearly stating that crossbreeding is the way forward.
International impact
Åshild has received enormous attention from abroad, and many people follow and support the NSPA’s work against unethical breeding. A snowball has begun to roll internationally. This will hopefully push dog breeding in the right direction with the main focus being on the dogs' best interest. All this, and more, is the result of tireless work by Åshild and the NSPA.
Åshild has been covered in media all over the world;several European countries, Japan, Canada and the US. She has given lectures, podcasts and interviews. Her articles on the matter have been published in the Veterinary Record and the Norwegian Veterinary Journal.
She has held speeches on dog breeding in many countries, covering both problems and possible solutions. She was invited to speak at the Parliament in the UK, where her speech created a long-awaited debate with the Kennel Club concerning cross breeding.
She has been standing steady through harassment and extreme storms, lies and false accusations, knowing that the only way to solve this animal welfare scandal, is by never giving up.
Very few people have the courage to do what Åshild has done. Because of her extreme endurance, motivation and work ethic, she has made a huge impact on dog breeding that dogs all over the world, will benefit from."
A word from Ashild: "It is an incredible honor to be nominated for the Golden Star Award 2024, recognizing my
work to combat unethical pedigree dog breeding practices. This nomination not only
acknowledges my dedication to improving the welfare of dogs, but it also highlights the global
significance of this issue. It is deeply meaningful to see that efforts made here in Norway are
resonating beyond our borders.
The landmark ruling from the Norwegian Supreme Court, which deemed further breeding of
the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel illegal on welfare grounds, has been groundbreaking. This
bold verdict has drawn attention from Kennel Clubs in many countries and sends a strong
signal that there is a limit to the welfare problems dogs must endure to meet human
demands for a specific look and breed purity. Science, welfare, and compassion must count
for more than outdated traditions and obsolete breeding ideals. We all know that the current
breeding paradigm is not preserving dog breeds—it is destroying them.
The prevalence of hereditary diseases caused by selective breeding is now the biggest
animal welfare problem we see in dogs today. It is a human-made issue, rooted in our desire
to achieve a particular appearance and to maintain so-called “pure” breeds. Fifty years ago,
these practices may have been seen as acceptable, but today we know better. It is no longer
justifiable to let dogs suffer because of how we want them to look or due to an outdated
obsession with breed purity.
Being part of this movement has been both challenging and rewarding, involving years of
persistence and advocacy. I have faced net trolls, death threats, and attempts to cancel and
discredit my work. This nomination symbolizes real progress—progress that shows the
demand for change is being recognized and appreciated. Yet, it is just one step in a longer
journey. There is still much work to be done to ensure that outdated breeding practices give
way to scientifically sound and ethically responsible approaches.
My hope is that this recognition will help amplify the message and inspire more stakeholders,
including breeders, kennel clubs, and lawmakers, to act. Too often, traditional breeding
standards have prioritized appearance and pedigree over health, leading to generations of
dogs suffering from preventable conditions. Now, we have an opportunity to shift the focus to
breeding for health, resilience, and quality of life.
With modern science providing us the tools to understand the genetic and physiological
needs of different breeds, it is time for all breeding practices to align with this knowledge.
This is not just an ethical obligation but a necessity to safeguard the future of many beloved
dog breeds. I am hopeful that this nomination will serve as a catalyst for change,
encouraging the broader community to adopt more responsible and sustainable breeding
practices.
Ultimately, this is not about one person’s work or recognition. It’s about creating a legacy that
benefits the animals who depend on us for protection and care. I am grateful that the work
we have done is being seen, and I am committed to continuing to advocate for a world where
dogs are bred not just for their looks, but for their health, happiness, and wellbeing.
Thank you for this nomination. I am also deeply grateful to the NSPA team who has
supported every step along the way, despite the hatred on social media. It strengthens my
resolve and reaffirms that the path we are on is the right one—one that will lead to healthier,
happier lives for dogs everywhere."
Voting closes on the 14th of November- be sure to vote for your animal hero before then!!
