Chloe Ferry Faces PETA Backlash Over Puppy Gift

has been criticised by animal rights charity PETA after announcing boyfriend Alex Swinney had surprised her with a new blue French bulldog puppy.

The  star, 30, took to Instagram with snaps of the new addition, which she has named Olive, but the charity were quick to call her out claiming the dogs were controversially bred to have flat faces, resulting in severe breathing issues. 

The charity said the animals were 'born to suffer' as they hit hit out at them for supporting 'greedy breeders' and said they should have instead chosen to adopt from a shelter. 

Alex purchased the pup six months after Chloe was left distraught following the death of dog Ivy, who was also a French bulldog.

PETA's Vice President of Programmes, Elisa Allen exclusively told Daily Mail: 'Even a little research shows that flat-faced breeds are born to suffer. French Bulldogs in particular have been purposefully bred to have unnaturally pushed-in snouts,' 

'Making it difficult for many of them to breathe – let alone chase a ball – without gasping for air due to their restricted airways. The public must stop supporting greedy breeders who produce dogs for a certain "look"'.

'Regardless of the damage done to the animals' health. And instead, those with the time and resources to bring a dog into their home should adopt from one of the many animal shelters currently bursting with  dogs'. 

Sharing snaps of the puppy, Chloe said: After losing my baby Ivy I wasn't sure I was ready but my boyfriend ,'.

'I can't tell you how happy I am to finally see Narla with her spark back again, just seeing her play has fulfilled my heart so much. From grieving to growing she accepted her new sister right away meet baby OLIVE.'

Fans were also quick to call out the star in the comments, writing: 'Adopt, don't shop': 'Blue one the worst choice when it comes to health issues..':  'Blue one the worst choice when it comes to health issues..'

'Puppies are cute, but so, so sad to see people buying breeds with breathing impairments who will never be able to fully enjoy what it means to be a dog. Please stop buying and promoting breathing impaired breeds'.

Daily Mail have contacted Chloe's representatives for comment.

Flat-faced (or brachycephalic) dogs' short-faced characteristics did not evolve naturally and are instead the result of selective breeding.

Previous studies have shown that this facial structure puts them at high risk for a range of health conditions. 

This includes issues with breathing, difficulty giving birth, and excessive skin folds.

In 2021 Royal Veterinary College, who analysed the health records of 24,631 canines — including 2,781 French bulldogs.

They found that the flat-faced breed is at a significantly higher risk from 20 common disorders — including narrowed nostrils and obstructive airways syndrome.

The findings, the team said, highlight the need to shift the breed towards more moderate characteristics to reduce the risk of breathing disorders.

'Achieving meaningful changes to the typical look of French Bulldogs over time requires buy in from breeders and kennel clubs who publish breeding standards,' said paper author Dan O'Neill of the Royal Veterinary College.

'But the biggest responsibility lies with owners who ultimately can demand dogs with more moderate features.

'The Kennel Club have recently updated the breed standard for the French Bulldog to move further away from elements of extreme conformation with evidence of health ill-effects,' the companion animal epidemiologist added.

'This is a very positive step to prioritise the health of dogs over human desires for how these dogs look and we must now continue this evolution of the breed towards a more moderate conformation.'

The team found that French bulldogs are at a significantly greater risk from 20 of the disorders studied.

These included the narrowed nostrils that can cause breathing difficulties (42 times higher), obstructive airways syndrome (31 times), ear discharge (14 times), skin fold dermatitis (11 times) and difficulty giving birth (9 times).

'There is no doubting that many humans love the feeling of owning their special French Bulldog. But sadly, this study helps us to grasp the full extent of the serious health issues affecting these dogs,' said Dr O'Neill.