Guwahati, Feb. 4 -- Angus Nurse, Anglia Ruskin University

The UK has long been considered to have some of the strongest animal welfare laws in the world. Beginning with Martin's act on the cruel treatment of cattle, through to the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and then Finn's law to protect service animals, UK animal welfare laws have sought to reduce harm and cruelty to animals. But what happens when companion animals suffer or live shorter lives simply because of their genetic make-up?

On average, dogs live for 10-13 years, which is considered roughly equivalent to between 60-74 human years.

Small, long-nosed dogs have the highest life expectancies in the UK, while male dogs from medium-sized, flat-faced breeds such as English bulldogs hav...