I’m not a big fan of Dog TV Shows and Movies. The ones that get less attention aren’t that bad but the larger production shows are a problem. I’m talking about the Greatest American Dog show on CBS, movies like 101 Dalmatians, and other such large production shows. The reason I’m against such shows is that some people watching them feel the need to run out to get one of these dogs. They look at a Border Collie on commercials or TV shows and want to run out to get one. Then when the dog is trashing their apartment or home they either take them to the shelter or throw them in the backyard.
These people look at Eddie, the Jack Russell terrier on the TV show Fraser a few years ago, and everyone had to have one. What they don’t realize is that these are special breeds and have traits that not everyone can deal with.
Breeders
Most responsible breeders will make sure that their puppies are in the right homes but unfortunately, there are many irresponsible breeders out there. Just recently in the area where I live, someone opened a pet store named “Pet Land.” My wife and I were horrified to find that they are selling puppies there. No responsible breeder would allow his or her puppies to be sold in a pet store. As far as I’m concerned, these are just puppy mill dogs and this activity should be banned.
Larry
23 comments ↓
A better title for your article might be: “Pet Shops and Hollywood Dogs”. The problem isn’t with breeders. It is with “puppy mills” and the puppy brokers such as Pet Shops.
I draw a distinction between puppy mills and breeders. My parents and later, my sister and I bred AKC “Show Dogs”. We were responsible breeders. We only had one or two or three litters a year. We carefully screened our buyers. I NEVER sold to somone who wanted to buy more than one dog.
I never sold a dog to somone who said they wanted one because of a movie or TV show. I needed more reasons than “….my neighbor has one and I want one.”
I chafe at being lumped together with “puppy mills” because I am a Breeder. (Although its been over ten years since we’ve welped a litter, I still consider myself a breeder). Puppy mills are in it because puppies “sell”. They are in it just for the money. I bred dogs looking for certain traits that I desired. Selling puppies was simply a way to find good homes for the excess and re-coup some of the expenses for owning multiple dogs.
There are also the “backyard” breeders who welp a litter so the kids can see puppies being born. Or, they have a pure-bred dog with papers and know someone else who has a papered dog. No thought is given to inheritable diseases or temperment. They don’t have any problem selling pure-bred dogs with papers but, are no where to be found when the adult dog can’t walk because of hip displasia or goes blind due to collie eye.
Sorry, but it’s too easy to lump Show Dog breeders in with puppy mills and backyard breeders.
….Chris
You are right I should have titled the post better because I wasn’t talking about “Show Dogs” I was talking about TV shows and movies. Although, “Hollywood Dogs” is probably not an accurate description either because the dogs on the Greatest American Dog show on CBS are not “Hollywood Dogs.” They are owned by the average American supposedly.
I’m sorry I didn’t make a distinction between conformation, puppy mills, and backyard breeders but technically, they are all breeders. I’m sure if you spoke to someone running a puppy mill, he or she would say that they are indeed breeders, and in their own twisted minds, the backyard breeder would think the same. I’m sure there are conformation breeders (Show Dog breeders) out there that are not as thoughtful as you, and some of the puppies may even end up in Pet Shops or worse.
Actually, I have spoken to a puppy mill breeder. This person regarded themself as a “businessman”. They made no pretense that they were breeding dogs for any reason other than to make money. ….and, that they had a “right” to make money any way they saw fit.
It was NOT about improving the breed. It was about “marketability”.
I’ve also tried to educate the various “backyard” breeders that I’ve come into contact with. (usually, co-workers) They are clueless about bloodlines and breeding for improvement. They don’t understand genetic testing, think I spent way too much money on vet bills, and dog shows. Most of all, they (right along with puppy mills) assert they have a “right” to breed their pure-bred dog just like I did. To them, “papers” indicate their dog has as much quality as mine. ….and, they save money by NOT going to dog shows and NOT going to vets to certify that their breeding stock is free of inheritable diseases.
My answer is that I guess everybody has the “right” to act stupid.
I have one hope for CBS’s “Greatest American Dog” and that hope is that SOMEONE who does Flyball will appear and showcase Flyball for the general public and THAT kind of exposure causes a surge in people seeking to learn how to train their dog to do flyball and join a flyball team.
I can always hope….
Actually the border collie on the show does have flyball training. I should know I trained Teresa and Leroy in flyball about 5 years ago. They chose not to compete since she was more interested in other activities.
I have to say over the many years I’ve lived and owned dogs I’ve been very lucky because I’ ve owned dogs from each of these places (not in this order) and all my dogs have lived long , happy and healthy lives.
1. a pet shop (my very first dog as a child)
2. a back yard breeder
3. pound puppies - with unknown breeding
4 a breeder who was supposed to be “reputable” and wasn’t.
5. and also a show dog breeder
Like I said I’ve been lucky - all but one (#4) have been great dogs (who were all neutered and loved by our family.)
Movies and TV always create trends and waves.But trends and waves exist in flyball too.
Border Collies were the dog to have if you wanted a fast dog,and now with the success of these fast Border crosses breaking records Border staffys, Border jacks , Border Whippets are coming into the forfront - it seems everyone is on a list and hoping to get approved for one. - I’m aware of many Breeders who frown on this cross breeding practice. - this has been a topic Larry has posted about in the past.
I don’t believe in puppy mills, I think that’s different. Those dogs never do anything but get bred. - that’s a pathetic life for any creature.
I also know and acknowledgea huge amount of thought goes into creating a good litter of pups by Breeders. I commend them for doing this. Without thier efforts the “traits” that we look for in certain breeds would completely be a gamble and probably dissapear.
Breeders increase the odds of getting the sought after traits, and minimizing the traits that are less desirable. But nothing is a guaruntee. - Luck. I believe in it - and each of the breeders of the dogs I own or have owned have increased my odds of getting a good one.
I have been watching the show and I am not impressed. I do hope that the average person watching the show is not going to see one of the dogs, like him/her, and go out and buy one without researching the breed. But we live in a society that, unfortunately, does that commonly.
The boxer for instance. Smart dog, doing well, and a handful to train and live with. The BC as well, of course.
If you actually watch Greatest American Dog, you’ll see that the judges are stressing using positive reinforcement vs. force in training, and the show seems to be highlighting those who strive to have a good relationship with their dog.
Normally, I wouldn’t watch a reality show like this, but my friend, Bill, is on the show with his Brittany, Star. Bill is a very popular gentleman in Texas agility. Amazingly, the show is actually showing his personality as it really is.
Kim - I’m curious if they are doing the same for Teresa and Leroy, because they aren’t showing Teresa in a very good light lately.
Yes, it’s a hokey show, but I think they will actually end up doing some good…
The Teresa I have met does come off as a know it all and wants to train HER way. But, I do think they are making Teresa seem to be the bad girl on the show. They are making her seem like a jerk and she is not. I don’t really care for her but she loves her dogs.
Animal rights individuals seek to eliminate all animal use and ownership - “one generation and out”. One of their vehicles it to sytematically attack breeders. Honestly there are breeders that don’t do things the way I believe they should, however, as each group is brought down, it brings them one step closer to my house. They will not rest, they have no ethical need to tell the truth or follow rule of law, they are coming for your dogs. Now it is breeders and hunting and farmers but once they legislate us out of existence, they are coming for your dogs. They believe one litter makes you a puppy mill. They wish to make so many laws and costs that people just give up. If they succeed there will be no more dogs bred for a purpose. No more mixes uniquely suited for flyball or bird hunting. Before there were registries, before there were dog shows, there were dogs bred for a purpose. This is how all breeds were developed. Mandatory spay neuter seeks to eliminate the gene pool. Dogs are like the rain forest. They have yet unfound talents that can aid mankind and like the rain forest they are being systematically destroyed by man. It is important to be careful of your words. Many words are brought to us curtesy of the animal rights movement: “furbabies”, “adopt a dog”, “foster a dog”, “puppymill”. All these things are designed to humanize the animals and to divide and conquer. Even “responsible breeder” is such a term. Who decides who is responsible and who is not? Shelter dogs are not the result of fancy breeders, shelter dogs come to us by virtue of irresponsible pet owners. No matter how many laws are passed, there will always be irresponsible pet owners. It is impossible to legislate responsibility. So before you vilify a segment of breeders remember there are those that feel flyball is cruel. When breeders are elimininated who will stand with you to protect your sport? Stand together or fall one by one.
I can’t support the slippery slope argument that expressing any hint of objection or concern to the churning out of badly bred dogs by the uncountable thousands and hawking them to any ignorant idiot who can cough up the cash = advocating the complete annhilation of the canine species.
There are good breeders, mediocre breeders and bad breeders. Do irresponsible pet owners dump their dogs at the pounds? Yep. Irresponsible pet owners who bought their dysplasic, deformed, diseased pets from people who bred them and sold them as fast as they could without looking back and didn’t spare a thought to where the puppy would end up or if it were likely to stay there beyond the first piddle on the rug incident.
Yes, there are good breeders. Yes, I want there to be dogs out there. But, I do not want to see 4 month old border collie puppies dumped at a shelter that euthanased over a hundred dogs that week. I do not want to see shepherd mixes who are rehomed 4 times at less than a year old, then end up at a pound where most dogs don’t go out the front door. I do not want to see $1000 doodlepoos that magically turn into stinking matted poodle mixes huddling in the corner of a run at the shelter for a few days before going to the back room.
There are good breeders and bad breeders and I refuse to be sucked into the muck with those who refuse to distinguish between the two and try to hamstring any attempt to encourage common sense, and reasonable responsiblity by fear mongering and labeling compassion as rabid animal rights extremists who are coming for you next.
Less than 4% of animals owned as companions come from pet stores so why is that a major concern?
Animal rights activists - who I now call Animal prohibitionists - have been very clever. They have created words like, “Puppy Mill”, “Backyard Breeder” etc. These are words designed to divide and conquer.- They are designed to change our culture. Animal Prohibitionists are not burdened with ethics or the need to be logical or truthful, therefore they produce sad pictures and spin which is designed to grab the heat strings of caring individuals who send them money and become their foot soldiers. The few at the top - the puppet masters - don’t care about animals or humans. They care about money and power. They are cult leaders handing out kool-ade. They feel that no one should be allowed to have any animal at all from any source so they are using legislation to remove the sources one by one. They feel you shouldn’t use your animals for flyball or seeing eye dogs or police dogs, or any other use.
“We have no ethical obligation to preserve the different breeds of livestock produced through selective breeding. One generation and out. We have no problem with the extinction of domestic animals. They are creations of human selective breeding.” Wayne Pacelle, Senior VP of Humane Society of the US.
Go here and read some of their quotes: http://www.mydogmychoice.com/animalrights.html
90% of dogs at shelters are not pure bred dogs. Shelter dogs are the product of irresponsible owners. We have laws against cruelty. We have leash laws, vaccination laws, etc. If those laws are not being properly enforced then why would new laws be enforced?
The only people affected by new laws will be the responsible owner. The irresponsible will always be irresponsible. However, the laws are not about the irresponsible. They are designed to destroy the all breeders with onerous laws that will eliminate selective breeding of dogs “One generation and out”. Large producers can afford to absorb the cost - small hobby breeders can not.
Not all large breeders are bad breeders. I’ve seen pictures of places with good facilities - state of the art. They hire individuals to come and socialize the pups. They have a resident staff vet. They have clean cages, full time help to clean the animals. Saying that all breeders should be eliminated is like saying that some people are unkind to their dogs therefore no one should be allowed to have a dog. It is a slippery slope when you abridge the rights of others as often your own rights are diminished. Divide and conquer. Today they come for them tomorrow they come for you.
Did you realize that HSUS has asked Obama for police powers and a new department of animal welfare on his cabinet? Did you realize that people are being victimized all over the US and their animals illegally seized by animal prohibitionists in the guise of animal control or animal welfare agents? 20/20 did a segment on some of those individuals. I’ve been reading about many others so victimized. Think I’m exaggerating? Watch it yourself:
Part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyjfHjxGxm0
Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWP_wXfkO78&feature=related
This 20/20 piece is truly sad. Taking peoples dogs for no reason.
As an animal rights activist, and a dog owner, and a flyballer, I have to say that no, there is no conspiracy to wipe out dogs or take dogs from their owners, or if there is, I must have missed the meeting.
As a person who has volunteered at shelters and a person who has acquired their animals from shelters, more like 50% appear purebred. Of course, since they are being dumped, they don’t come with papers, which badly skews the statistics. Honestly, though, even when breeders dump their dogs directly, they are often marked as “mixes.”
Dogs don’t spontaniously materialize. Every dog at that shelter was bred by someone. To say they come from irresponsible owners not breeders is irrational. They were produced by irresponsible breeders who sold them to irresponsible owners. We need to find a way to get those various irresponsible parties to act in a responsible manner. If you have an idea on how to accomplish that, speak up! But don’t try to squash all the responsible dog breeders and flyballers the same box with the people who are creating and perpetuating this dog overpopulation problem. You will end up succeeding and creating the situation you describe.
“But don’t try to squash all the responsible dog breeders and flyballers the same box with the people who are creating and perpetuating this dog overpopulation problem. ”
Exactly my point.
By saying breeders are solely responsible for all pet over population is pointing a finger at responsible breeders as well as the fellow down the road that lets his bitch in heat run free and get bred by every stray dog in the county. True he’s a breeder by default but he has nothing to do with me or with most show breeders. If his dog is running loose why aren’t the leash laws being enforced? Most areas have leash laws.
Pure bred animals typically have safety nets through breed specific rescue groups. They are often adopted more quickly. Just look at the dogs out of the puppy mill in NC where animal control is being overwhelmed with calls to adopt them. USDA currently monitors commercial dog breeders. If they were doing their job would there be bad puppy mills? There are laws why aren’t they being enforced? If current laws aren’t enforced what is the purpose of new laws?
In 30 years I’ve never had a dog get loose and run the road. I’ve never failed to take back a dog that needed to come back. Any dog I bred has the right to come home during its lifetime.
Before there were animal shelters in this area I would take side-of-the-road dogs home and rehabilitate them and re-home them out of my own pocket. I currently do breed specific re-homing. I helped organize and continue to run a dog club providing outlets for others to play with their dogs which helps prevent failure of the dog in the home. I provide a hot line to help others figure out how to manage dogs getting out of control.
Many serious breeders raise money and pay for research to develop genetic markers for genetic disease. My own club funded ataxia research and a marker has been developed recently for this disorder. AKC funds much research. Driving a stake through the hearts of breeders will lose much of value that can’t be readily replaced. They are the best source of good quality animals.
I used to raise money for rescue groups but NO MORE. My reward for that effort is that many rescue groups are turning on breeders and regurgitating all the crap from HSUS, Best Friends, SPCA etc. Welfare groups have been hijacked by animal prohibitionists. The chant is mandatory spay neuter and regulations on all breeders. All you have to do is go to their web sites. Surf around a bit and read their philosophy. Best Friends has a piece on their web site about Speciesism. Meaning that all animals have equal value - a dog = fish = chicken = man = animal rights or rather animal prohibition.
You can’t legislate responsibility. If you could no one would ever steal, or use drugs, or murder, or beat their wives. The only people affected by new draconian laws will be the responsible law abiding people. Me. I will be affected.
I read contracts for a living. Laws are written with an intent just like contracts. But I know that sometimes what you meant - exactly - is not what you said - exactly - in terms of affect. That’s why they have amendments. If you hamstring breeders for a few years their animals lose their fertility as they fight for their rights. We have enough laws to do the job. Why aren’t they being enforced?
Mandatory Spay Neuter will eliminate dogs. Period. Already dogs in some Northern states are so reduced in numbers that they have to import them from shelters in the South (and make money doing it) to meet the demand. It would make dogs so expensive that poor people wouldn’t be able to have them. Dogs transported to other states currently sell for a minimum of $300.00 - mostly mixes.
All dogs were originally bred for a function. The Border Collie was bred to be a herding dog. By breeding for a function that desire is hard wired. With mandatory spay neuter there will never be another breed developed because those dogs would be forcibly altered. Carolina Dogs & Catahoula Leopard dogs would never have been developed in recent times. Squirrel dog fiests, lurchers etc would become illegal to own.
Scientists are still finding new uses for talented dogs as alerts for low blood sugar in their owners, or onset of seizures. Mandatory spay neuter eliminates all dogs from the gene pools except those that meet some arbitrary changeable registration rules. It in effect clear cuts the rain forest.
Under msn and proposed anti breeder laws, owners must relinquish the right to privacy and allow a representative of government (HSUS has volunteered to do this for free FYI) show up unannounced and go through anything they like in the home, personal papers, or in the kennel. They can decide they don’t like something and take all the animals. The costs of keeping an animal intact are excessive and subject to increase. Many would cease having dogs to continue to enjoy their constitutional rights against illegal search and seizure. Because someone somewhere let their dog run loose I should give up my right against illegal search and seizure and pay extortionist fees?
Two things are happening here: One HSUS and their ilk have gotten on board the money train. Look at the salaries they are paying their people. They give out jobs to politicians and others (incentives) and let them lead the good life. It is a business. The animal prohibitionists collect millions on disasters, sad doggie faces and hype. Often it is spin pure and simple. It serves the purpose of keeping baby in shoes and pushing an agenda of radical animal prohibitionists. It no longer is about welfare, it’s about money and a radical agenda. They feel burning down a building, threatening others, destroying others furs or way of life, even killing their animals is acceptable behavior. We’re not talking about responsible people capable of empathy or even following the law. They really don’t care about the animals or about other humans. They care about themselves and controlling others.
The desire to control the actions of another is a symptom of dysfunction. It is typical among adult children of dysfunctional families. We can’t control anything in this world but we can control our animals. Many people that gravitate to animals have this issue. This gives the illusion of control and makes the person feel safer. It is a coping mechanism that is no longer useful.
Control of self is the only control any of us really have. It is impossible to control other people, places, or things. That way leads to madness.
Freedom is more than having the right to keep your dogs in crates and go to flyball tournaments if you like. Freedom is also about letting others have rights as well. When we diminish the rights of another it can rebound on ourselves.
Animal Prohibitionists can have control of my dogs, my home, my family when they get control of my gun by prizing it out of my cold dead hand. I am committed, I and millions across this nation with me, against allowing our animals (dogs, horses, cows etc) to be abolished by agendas not fully understood by the masses.
Larry it is really sad. I never felt more sorry in my life than when I watched that woman break down over the loss of her old dog that was probably euthanized as unadoptable. And the saddest part of all is it is happening all over the country. What you saw is just the tip of the iceberg.
Freedom belongs to those that have the guts to fight for it.
Oh, and Diane, if you are for “animal rights” why do you “enslave your dogs” and make them run flyball. True animal prohibitionists would condemn that you even share your home with them. They don’t want them themselves and they don’t want you to have them either.
It was pointed out to me recently that many people do not understand the difference between animal rights and animal welfare.
I’m for animal welfare. I want animals to be treated humanely. However, I’m opposed to animal rights as they seek to prohibit the use of all animals by humans. No more bacon, steak, companion dogs, police dogs, seeing eye dogs, hunting dogs, horses, etc.
Animal rights groups are considered animal terrorists in some guises. Such as ALF. ALF is the disguise that animal rights people use to hide their true affiliation with a more main stream groups according to some sources. They are listed as domestic terrorists by the FBI.
Mandatory Spay Neuter laws and restrictive breeding bills are not dissimilar to Breed Specific Legislation. They are based on emotion and misinformation rather than facts. They abridge our rights of animal ownership and unfairly victimize the majority that are innocent under the guise of fixing a problem.
I have to say that I agree with Maggie. BUT I don’t think putting down Shelters and Rescues helps the situation. I’ve worked at so many and can partially understand some of their fear, though I do think that it’s insane to suggest that dogs shouldn’t be living with humans. However, after seeing SO many dogs come into the shelter because of irresponsible owners. Shelters becoming overfull because of irresponsible owners. Dogs having to be turned away from the shelter because they’re overfull because of irresonsible owners. AND having to watch dogs with so much life and spark having to be put to sleep because no one wants them is quite heartbreaking. Now, I think that it’s the irresponsible owners who should be punished and NOT responsible breeders who do the right thing and send their puppies to good homes. The thing is, is that there are so many ignorant people in this world. While I was working at a local pet superstore there were soo many people who would get together with another person who had a purebred dog and say “maybe we can have puppies sometime.” Mind you NONE of these people know anything about responsible breeding (i.e. for health, temperament, etc.) and they just think it’s “cute” to have pups. If it weren’t for a shelter who took in a litter of puppies that some people magically realized they couldn’t afford to take care of…I wouldn’t have my dog. My wonderful sports dog who competes in agility and is being trained in flyball and dock jumping. In this case, I support shelters because they give dogs a second chance.
However, I am not against purebred breeders at all. Down here, the law is being enforced that dogs of their breed are allowed to remain in-tact, but others must be spayed or neutered. THIS I cannot argue with. I think part of that law includes that breeders are allowed to leave their dogs in tact. BUT no one goes around to see what constitutes a breeder. There could be puppy mills thinking that they fall under the category of this law. I think that if the dog isn’t being bred for temperament, health, soundness…then that dog should be spayed/neutered at the approriate age. There are just too many stupid people and suffering dogs out there ( I now own a couple).
Again, though, Maggie B is right. If you spay ALL the dogs…then there are no more dogs to breed. This means no more mixed breeds either, which some of us have come to know and love. Not to mention most shelters spay/neuter a dog WAAY too early which can cause health problems too (this I’ve seen first hand).
In my opinion it’s a double edged sword because although there are responsible pet owners out there, like ourselves, there are still the people out there who aren’t. And I suppose the old saying “one bad apple spoils the bunch” can be applied to this because we are being punished for other people’s stupidity…but how do we target all the ignorant individuals? You can’t, you have to target a population and hope it works on all the bad people too.
I’m also part of an Organization called Dog Scouts…for purebreds and mixed breeds alike…it was formed for people to join and promote responsible pet ownership. It has helped to educate A LOT of people on dog care and incorporates fun activites for your dog. We do free-shaping, obedience, clicker training, go camping, go hiking, go backpacking, go swimming, do agility, flyball, AND dock dogs. There’s an activity there for EVERY type of dog. I totally support this group because it isn’t saying “you must spay and neuter” it isn’t saying “bad shelters and SPCA” it’s saying “if you have a dog, be a responsible parent. Come and we’ll show you how.” It’s even fun for those of us who already know…and sometimes we even learn something NEW!
Well I agree. Education and low cost spay/neuter works.
One has to understand that animal rights individuals wish to eliminate all animals in the lives of humans. No more pets -dogs or cats - no more beef, sheep, pig, chickens etc. They want us to all be vegans. Go surf some animal rights sites. They are not burdened with the need to be truthful and regularly use emotional appeals and sad photos to get money and support. I am monitoring events that are happening all over the USA. It is very sobering that such things can occur in America. Dog breeders & owners are having their 4th & 5th amendment rights abridged. Their animals are being confiscated and sold for a profit by rescue groups. 20/20 did an expose about it. http://abcnews.go.com/2020/story?id=817494&page=1
Just in the last couple of days people in Fort Worth, TX woke up to animal control coming to arrest them and take their animals. Were they breeders? No. But these animal rights generated bills can jump up and bite everyone. Think you are safe? Laws are tricky things read this. (Please note that all the animals were stated to be healthy and in good condition. Better dead than fed = animal rights position)
http://www.star-telegram.com/metro_news/story/1504251.html
While I know that sadly some dog are euthanized that could live happy lives, the statistics of ones capable of being adopted are flawed as presented by people like HSUS & PETA. They fail to separate elderly, sick or dogs with bad tempers from the statistics. They fail to take out owner surrenders for euthanasia of elderly and sick animals. It has been shown over and over that education coupled with low cost spay/neuter can reduce pet over population.
I have done rescue and continue to do rescue that is breed specific. Rescue communities are not all created equal. There are some that vilify and attack breeders. Even the “puppy mill” push is aimed at all dog breeding under the guise of attacking sub standard commercial breeders. All commercial breeders are vilified because of a few that already fall under existing cruelty and USDA rules. Think that’s not possible? Read this: “What happened to Due Process?” http://bit.ly/OgiKK & Largest Commercial Dog Breeder in Canada Wins Lawsuit http://bit.ly/fA2ru
In this battle between animal rights and animal owners/breeders, the ones that are losing are the dogs. In LA,CA where m/s/n went into effect death rates have increased 177% Be careful what you wish for, you might get it. In the end no one should mandate a surgical procedure for our animals. It should be a choice in the land of the free.
I’m spending about 3 to 4 hours per day for free going through articles and newspaper reports about animal rights agendas and the effects it has had on breeders and animal owners. I’m monitoring legislative efforts all over the USA that affect animal husbandry of all types. Trust me it is frightening. “Don’t ask for whom the bell tolls….”
I’m sorry, I think you may have misunderstood me. I wasn’t supporting the “animal rights” movement. I don’t believe that our dogs and cats should be taken away from us at all. I do know, though, that historically SPCAs weren’t created for such (William Wilburforce started animal rights in england to end animal abuse) and have seen that most who preach about such things as ciezing animals to prevent them from living with humans is mostly fanatical. Fanatics are in everything, because I know when I was working at the shelter our main priority was getting dogs a good home. We even allowed our pregnant dogs to birth their pups and cared for them and also put THEM up for adoption. I won’t start discussing things such as beef, poultry and such because it’s an argument that will only fall on deaf ears. It’s a heavily opinionated subject that can go one way or the other and I don’t really want to open that for debate.
I rescue dogs, but I rescue ANY dog. Why should I exclude mutts from purebreds, besides, all purebreds were mixed or bred with something else to create what they are today. In my opinion breed specific is a little descriminate. I admit that there are plenty dogs from the shelter who have behavioural issues, but I’ve also changed those problems before as well.
Yes perhaps spaying or neutering should be YOUR choice, but if you’re irresponsible it only creates other problems. That’s why I said it’s a double edged sword. You have people who want to keep their rights, but if you cannot act accordingly given that right then the law steps in and takes them away. I am not calling it right or fair, but it’s the world.
I am not a fan of BYB or puppy mills or people who think it’s ethical to kill billions of livestock a year that we don’t even use. It’s just NOT ethical or humane, it’s wasteful and I just don’t appreciate it.
I can’t really call anyone wrong or right in this case because I understand the point of view of YOUR argument and I understand that of the people who are battling for “animal rights. ” Unfortunately, though, fighting each other doesn’t resolve any issues. The more we butt heads it seems the more the opposing sides detest each other and then we pretty much get nowhere.
I don’t want to lose my dogs, but I also don’t want purebreds to take over the world. I don’t want people who want the choice of eating meat to go away, but I don’t want billions of animals slaughtered and then wasted. I am in no man’s land. No one can seem to come to terms and find a plausible solution to whatever problem it is.
I am a semi-vegetarian and it’s actually a healthier lifestyle…FOR ME.
I’ve also spoken with USDA in a meeting and they are the hardest people to compromise with PERIOD. Like it or not there are more factory farms than small family farms, just like there are more puppy mills and BYB than responsible and reputable breeders. Animal Rights plays off of the majority…and yes other people get persecuted in the process.
http://www.meatrix.com promotes small family farming NOT vegetarianism or veganism. Attempts to educate the population on healthier meat and dairy products…doesn’t encourage the extinction of meat and dairy farming.
Oops, wait perhaps it was me that was confused. I believe I read your comment too quickly.
Yes, you’re right. I agree with you. Along with what I’ve just said above in respect to those who are for the “rights” of animals.
I do agree with what you say with some reservations for trying to understand both sides of the spectrum and my own personal afflictions.
Your point of view is very much understood, forgive my initial mis-reading of your statement.
Actually I think we both agree with one another. It is a shame if one animal is killed because of lack of space. I do feel strongly that efforts aimed at providing education and low cost spay neuter are the most effective means to reach a “no-kill” nation.
By providing the low cost spay lower income people are more able to afford to s/n their pets. The same money used to enforce draconian laws can be used to provide these humane services as a choice. With m/s/n some low income families are forced to relinquish their animals to certain death. If we joined hands to provide such services there would be fewer deaths and less conflict - a win win.
You’re right, I totally agree.
But that’s a little something positive about that mobile unit ASPCA Cares. It helps families that cannot afford spay/neuter and does it free of charge while also educating on why it’s important. Or at least it’s how they depict it on TV, but it is a good idea.
My neighbour has not s/n her 2 dogs (male AND female) because she cannot afford it. The other downside is that her family believes it inhumane to the dogs because now if they want to have babies they can’t. That whole idea drives me up a wall, but the main reason they haven’t been fixed is due to the high price. I also think it’s important to make it low cost and to make it so that the people are educated.
Glad we understand each other ;).
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