// Tesco slammed by British vets for its Frankie the French Bulldog cake
// The British Veterinary Association said Tesco’s design shows a breed of dog that can suffer breathing difficulties
// Tesco said its Frankie the French bulldog cake “proves popular” despite criticism
Tesco’s Frankie the French Bulldog cake has reportedly been criticised by British vets who have said that flat-faced dogs shouldn’t be used to promote goods.
The Big 4 grocer has sparked the biggest cake row since Marks & Spencer accused Aldi of copying its Colin the Caterpillar cake design earlier this year.
Experts at the British Veterinary Association (BVA) criticised Tesco for using the pug’s face for a cake as that breed of dog can suffer breathing difficulties and other health issues, The Telegraph reported.
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The £11 French Bulldog Cake is part of a range and depicts a Madeira sponge puppy with buttercream, raspberry jam, icing and edible decorations.
The BVA has called on Tesco to stop the sale of the French bulldog cake and “think health over looks”.
The BVA and animal charities have been urging companies to avoid using flat-faced dog breeds, whose scientific name is brachycephalic.
“Breeds such as French bulldogs, pugs and bulldogs, often suffer life-limiting health issues, including breathing difficulties and eye and skin conditions and many owners are taking on these dogs without knowing about these problems,” BVA said.
Tesco responded by saying that its Frankie the French bulldog cake is one of a number of animal inspired cakes in our range and “proves popular”.
In April, M&S accused Aldi of copying its Colin the Caterpillar cake, and said Aldi’s Cuthbert the Caterpillar design infringed its Colin trademark.
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