Pat Zapf
Posted : 6/21/2007 4:28:05 AM
ORIGINAL: DogAdvocat
It's interesting that you would object to blanket condemnation of breeders, and then give blanket condemnation of animal activists. For years I've tried to find two things - the illusive responsible breeder, and the illusive Peta person(s) that has been convicted of releasing dogs from crates at dog shows. Also, animal activists include those doing rescue, and I sure hope you aren't condemning rescue.
I think the point being made was that there is no such thing as responsible breeding as long as homeless dogs are dying for lack of homes. I realize that not everyone wants a shelter dog, but as long as society allows itself to produce dependent animals without also guaranteeing them lifetime homes, then I think it's up to society to make sure that homeless animals have priority to homes before unborn animals. Therefore breeding more into an overpopulated dog world is not a responsible thing to do.
I also disagree with your condemnation of the pet owning public who is ignorant of pet care. You know who chose those people to care for the dogs? Breeders did. I see so many breeders try to disconnect themselves from what happens to their dogs once they are sold. If a breeder can't screen people well enough to ascertain that the home is a good one, then they shouldn't be breeding at all. So if a pet owner is an idiot, it's the breeder that chose that idiot for their dog - and what does that make the breeder? Certainly not responsible.
No, I have found a HUGE difference in animal activists and Animal Preservation. The humane society I donate to claims to be NOT an Animal Activist organization, but an Animal
reservation organization. The difference being the educated and non-educated.
As far as selling to bad owners, you apparently have never looked at a good breeder's contract. It usually states that the dog should be fed high quality dog food, housed indoors, states about crate training, etc. If a breeder stops caring about the animal they bred, they arent a good breeder. GOOD breeders are few and far between. These are the GOOD people, the GOOD pet owners, the KNOWLEGDEABLE breeders... I dont think most of you have met them... Or you wouldnt be talking like you do.
If we stopped breeding, then we would defeat the purpose. HUMANS bred dogs, instead of letting nature do it. Yes humans caused overpopulation, but GOOD breeders are trying to control it. Sorry, the reasoning you present is off to me. Again, there are responsible breeders, always will be. There arent responsible pet owners everywhere.
I assume you are a dog owner... wanna answer my questions?
As far as Peta people being arrested for letting dogs out, read the AKC reviews and then read some more into the Peta site and then look for anti peta sites. Believe me, you will find plenty. I have!
Really I understand what you are saying though. But it is unrealistic. Without intact dogs there would be no breeding. Without breeding there would no dogs... Breeding dogs isnt just for pets. People want dogs for working, for dog sports, for therepy, for services, and you cant always have a rescued dog doing this.
For one more thing to consider. You say people (GOOD BREEDERS) shouldnt breed dogs. Did you know we have an overpopulation problem with humans? How many people are living on the street or are starving to death... Does that mean people should stop breeding too? First things first. Humans stop over breeding, then dog people will stop breeding their dogs... How about that?
What about cows? What about sheep? There are excess of these too... Of course we eat them, but still, overpopulation... People in third world countries will eat dogs... I know, how horrible, but tell them to stop breeding dogs and they will look at you like you would look at them if they told you to stop breeding cows for meat.
There is overpopulation everywhere, it will never be fixed, and never end because no matter what, humans are suppose to be the top species and they are not perfect. If you stop breeding dogs, they will die out. Face that fact, they will. If you spay/neuter EVERY dog, they will die out. I, for one, will not allow that to happen. Yes, there is overpopulation. But start trying to stop puppymills and backyard breeders, not the good breeders. Of course, it is easier to blame everyone than a select few. Then again, we all are responsible. But no one will blame themselves will they. "But I didnt breed a dog or keep a dog intact or..." Sure... You didnt. But you didnt make yourself better than anyone. You are still human, your race started this breeding, so it is still your fault. I bet someone in your family has a dog intact. I bet, at one point, you may have too. I bet most of you have never done anything with your dogs. You arent helping, you arent inspiring people to be better pet owners. Support spay/neuter of PETS. But there are those of us that want to better our breed and our breed's future. There are those of us that are GOOD breeders. If you want to point fingers at us, three are pointing at you. What are you doing to stop the BAD breeding? Seems like you are just blaming the GOOD breeders... While the others get around the laws and are selling more pups everyday. I havent seen a good public education by those that support total spay/neuter. In fact, the best Public Education Seminar was done by a dog breeder and handler. Makes some people wonder.
No pointing fingers by me. I believe in good pet owners, good rescues, good people, and good breeders. I dont believe in the crap that there is no more good breeders when I know there are. Sorry.