No one is arguing that the HSUS is not a stellar organization. But part of the problem in Florida (and a number of other states) is that there is NO check currently at all on puppy mills and petstores. Because the weather is mild here puppy mills use it as an excellent base of operations because they don't even have to provide real shelter or expensive things like air-conditioning or heat.
You can't take the stand that "no law" is better because then breeders won't be adversely impacted. Because the lure of quick, easy money is just far to great -- particularly in the current economy. The internet has allowed bad breeders, backyard breeders and puppy mills HUGE freedom to sell dogs without having ANYONE have to actually come to their dirty, nasty facility to check up on them.
Breed-related health issues is only one part of the problem -- animals raised in utter filth and horrible conditions beyond what anyone might imagine. THESE things have to be addressed simply from a common-sense angle.
AgileGSD -- you tend to have "one song" -- you seem to gravitate to threads where you can jump in and try to derail onto the "protect the breeders" issue -- and it honestly looks like you want to turn a blind eye to the fact that these dogs SUFFER. They suffer and they die in filth and conditions that are literally beyond the scope of most humans to even fathom.
There are times in all walks of life where we have to make choices. And sometimes we have to USE an organization or company ... perhaps reluctantly ... simply because it accomplishes something that needs to be done NOW to avoid greater tragedy. Occasionlly I will go and get something at Wal-Mart simply because it's open late or because they carry a certain item I can't wait to get elsewhere. But that doesn't mean that I LIKE my money going to Wal-mart nor that I approve of their practices.
It's the same with this -- the HSUS isn't a stellar organization -- I agree with that. HOWEVER, there are times when we may have to use them to accomplish something. But that doesn't absolve us of the responsibility to **educate** the world on what IS right and correct.
Not to offend, but to try to illustrate my point -- this reminds me of an old joke.
"It had rained for days and days ... and a man stood alone on a streetcorner completely drenched and miserable.
A man came by and offered to give up his umbrella saying "I'm nearly home -- take my umbrella --you need it!!"
The man responded "NO, God will save and protect me!"
The next day it began to flood. A man came by in a rowboat and offered to help the man "C'mon get in -- I'll help you get where you need to go!"
The man responded "NO, God will save and protect me!"
The flood progressed and grew worse. The man is now clinging to the top of a house with the water still rising about him.
An emergency crew in a helicopter came by dropping a rope to help save the man. "Here -- we're up HERE .... grab the rope and we'll get you to safety!"
The man responded "NO, God will save and protect me!"
Then the man finds himself dead and at the entrance to Heaven.
St. Peter comes out shaking his head. "Well, you're here. But it's sad!"
The man responded angrily "NO, God PROMISED he would save and protect me! And He didn't. I'm DEAD now!!"
St. Peter just looked at the man sadly and said "Well, yes, He did promise that. But ... He sent an umbrella, a boat and a helicopter. What MORE did you want???"
It's unfair to turn away or criticize help in a situation like Erica's described. USE the help offered - -by the HSUS or whatever agency will help get the word out and help get laws made to protect the innocent.
Find opportunities along the way to educate the public about the hidden agendas some agencies may have -- but don't tromp over the needy and suffering animals in the process. It's simply a matter of being sensible.
And not merely being a rabble rouser who lives to cause dissention but never accomplishing anything in truth.