AMEN AMEN!!!!!!

"Reputable", (by uneducated standards)breeders have one thing on their mind. It isn't the mama dog's health, it isn't because they love having their home filled, every few months, with adorable puppies, it isn't to continue the species...but it is to make money. There is no other way to describe it. No matter HOW many times these (let me get the quotes out again) "reputable" breeders tell themselves they are not cruel, it doesn't change reality. (Heck, I LIKE to TELL myself that I am still a young man, but that is no longer true).

What they should do is, upon reading this comment, is pause and wonder how many of the puppies they bred, are sitting in shelters right now, and how many of the puppies they bred over the years were killed, because the person who BOUGHT them, no longer wanted them. This hopefully will cause an epiphany, when it dawns on them that this, PLUS the fact that every dog they breed KILLS at least one stray, are indeed true, and they should find a new way to supplement their income that doesn't involve playing God with a living being. (I find selling model trains on eBay to be very profitable myself)

Paul

Posted by: Paul Calpin | September 13, 2007 10:58 AM

First of all I appreciate PETA, for bringing out this campaign. I think, wat we can do is:

*We should bring laws that could regulate/minimise 'breeding'.

*All breeders should have a license to breed, ie the lisence should be given to breeders who take very good care of the 'mothers' & provide proper care to all animals.

*We can lobby the govts telling that there is 'Dog Overpopulation' crises & therefore a BAN on 'breeding' can be done atleast for few yrs.

*We should continue to discourage people buying dogs from breeders...

(Pass this ideas to the concern staff - Thanks)

Posted by: Niranjan, INDIA | September 13, 2007 11:38 AM

I don't care how much the breeders "love" their dogs and I don't care how "caring" they are with their dogs, the bottom line is what the ad says: breeders kill shelter dogs' chances.

How do you deny that?

Posted by: Jaclyn | September 13, 2007 12:00 PM

Paul--I'd like to argue that some people who breed and are, indeed, considered "reputable", do love their dogs very much. They love their breed of choice, they love having puppies around, and they love furthering the breed. I still don't agree with their breeding more dogs while so many perfectly good ones die in shelters, but to paint all breeders with the same brush is just asking for trouble.

Posted by: Canaduck | September 13, 2007 12:08 PM

Paul--you are right. I love the breeders who claim they don't make money or in fact loose money on every litter. I know I would continue to participate in a business that COST me money if I were them. NOT!!! It would be great if the IRS took a closer look at the dog and cat breeding world.

Posted by: Kelley | September 13, 2007 12:19 PM

I have made posts before on this topic, but they did not appear, so hear goes AGAIN!! Do breeders FORCE people to buy their puppies?? NO THEY DON'T!! People buy from a breeder because they have a need that a shelter dog can not fill!! For example, I have a dog I show (I cannot show a shelter dog), and my breed of dog is used for hunting LARGE game. I have not seen another purebred dog that can do what my dogs do, so what makes you people think a shelter dog can?? Other people own this breed of dog because they make them feel safe while they are in the backwoods of lets say Alaska, other dogs would hightail it away at the first sign of large carnivorous wildlife, not this purebred dog!! People buy dogs from a breeder because they have a need. Most breeders of my dogs breed will NOT sell puppies to people unless they have a specific need for them. This is why the breed is very rare in the US. Breeders are not the ones to blame, it is the general public who walk into a pet store and buy a puppy for little "Suzie" or little "Pete" and when it has doubled the size they throw it out on the street to breed and fend for it's self!!

Posted by: Billie | September 13, 2007 01:53 PM

You know what?

There ARE truly responsible breeders. They are out there. They take pride in acknowledging that breeding is a business, and that any business needs rules.

They support anti-cruelty laws, they support licensing and inspection of the larger breeders, they support ground rules for operating a kennel safely and compassionately.

They support humane laws, because they know that wihout laws and ground rules, dogs will continue to suffer as they are suffering now.

But the AKC and various breed clubs and breeder groups and lobbying groups have been hijacked by the extremists.

The radical libertarian kooks that whine all day about imagined "animal rights terrorists" hiding under their beds, waiting to grab them.

They make up stories that humane groups want to "end breeding" or "steal dogs from dog shows." Outright, sheer, unadultered LIES.

They fight every attempted anti-cruelty or pro-humane laws with assorted similar lies and smear and fairy tales and threats.

Hey, I've sat with these people in person and on boards WHILE THEY MAKE IT UP.

Do some of them believe it? Yes, probably. Sadly, mental delusions afflict many sad souls in our society.

But most know full well they are lying.

And they lie to protect the PROFIT aspect of the business. The loopholes, the lack of regulations, the laws. They want to do whatever they want, and that includes not reporting or underreporting income and NOT PAYING TAXES.

Not to mention running illegal businesses out of homes, and breaking a variety of other laws.

It all comes down to the money for these people.

And as the AKC has drifted into the puppy mill industry, these people lobby mightily for the rights of puppy millers to neglect, to sell sick and genetically defective dogs, to commit hideous abuse and even kill.

All that puppy mill registration blood money that filters through the AKC pays for these people's dog shows, breed club activities, etc.

And greed and self-interest have overruled compassion in their minds.

The dogs get lost in the madness!

If you want to find these people and see how they support cruelty, look to the legislative liasions, breed clubs (not all but too many,) the "responsible dog owners" groups (code for BREEDER, or worse! in dog fighting areas,) the federations of whatever, the pet law and dog law groups and boards and forums (by "law" they mean gathering together and fighting any and all pro-humane laws.)

There you will find the busy activity of those who try to keep the status quo- the puppy mills, the abuse, the cruel treatment, the overpopulation, and the lack of any laws to deal with these issues.

Watch them! as they try to convince each other that "there is no overpopulation problem" and that shelters, rescues, and humane groups lie about overpopulation to "make money."

There they gather like NRA members (and some are! they are linked to the hunting dog breeding industry and from thence to the NRA- who tried to shut down the federal dog fighting law, remember?), screaming hysterically about their constitutional rights to do anything they want to a dog. Anything. Yes, even abuse.

Watch them discuss shutting down and harassing humane groups, making false accusations about animal activists, call mongrels name, and literally spitting on anything that even suggest humane values or activities.

It is an ugly, sordid mess- but these people have plenty of time on their hands to engage in this activity while people who truly love dogs are out saving their lives, healing broken bodies, struggling to stop the suffering.

And yes, some have decided to shill for larger animal abuse industries, and are affiliated with this group http://www.consumerdeception.com

That group spends some of the millions it gets to smear humane groups, Peta included.

Posted by: kelly | September 13, 2007 02:12 PM

You are right on about breeders! It's very upsetting to see that breeders are doing their part to make the dog overpopulation crisis worse and worse. I say this about ALL breeders, whether they consider themselves "reputable" or not. How can they contribute to the animal overpopulation crisis with a clear conscience? I don't buy it. They probably just live in denial and talk themselves into thinking they are doing no wrong.
Anyone, and I mean, anyone that purposely brings more dogs into this world is nothing short of irresponsible.

Posted by: Veronica Soto | September 13, 2007 02:22 PM

Good job on the investigating!

Posted by: sherri | September 13, 2007 02:38 PM

More stuff on the white folk and their dogfighting. I wonder how many dogs died here? SWAT caught 90 dogs that were alive. But as posters say, it is new thing, an Urban thug life thing. we southerners don't fight dogs. Yeah, right. Busts Rout out Dogfighters in Texas and Florida
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January 14, 2005

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©2005 Laura Bevan/HSUS
A late-night SWAT team raid in Marion, Texas on January 8 has resulted in the state's largest dogfighting bust in the last decade. Acting on information provided by The HSUS's Southwest Regional Office (SWRO), Bexar County Sheriff's department investigators, SWAT agents, and representatives of the SPCA of Texas seized 90 pit bull dogs and arrested five men on suspicion of felony animal cruelty.

Click to view imageClick to view image Busts Rout out Dogfighters in Texas and Florida
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January 14, 2005

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©2005 Laura Bevan/HSUS
A late-night SWAT team raid in Marion, Texas on January 8 has resulted in the state's largest dogfighting bust in the last decade. Acting on information provided by The HSUS's Southwest Regional Office (SWRO), Bexar County Sheriff's department investigators, SWAT agents, and representatives of the SPCA of Texas seized 90 pit bull dogs and arrested five men on suspicion of felony animal cruelty.
Authorities raided the property of Brian Bailey, about 25 miles northeast of San Antonio, after SWRO staff alerted them to a suspected dogfighting ring. The HSUS monitors intelligence that indicates animal fighting activities. Thanks to that vigilance, HSUS staff were able to tip law enforcement off about the planned Saturday-night fight.
Bailey and his son, Brad Bailey, were charged with felony animal cruelty and dogfighting (a Class A misdemeanor in the state). Three other men were also arrested on felony charges, and authorities issued 20 citations to others for being spectators at a dogfight.
SWRO Coordinator Jay Sabatucci, who teaches a class to police officers on how to combat animal fighting, noted that the sheriff's office "really stepped up to the plate on this one." He explained that the raid was a good example of how law enforcement can make a bigger dent in crime by pursuing suspected animal fighters.
"We're making them understand that it's a crime issue," he said, noting that dogfighters are often charged with other illegal activities, such as gambling, drug sales and weapons possession. "This is a great way for them to get criminals."
Animals seized in the raid are being held at an undisclosed location until a judge decides their fate. Many of the dogs were undernourished and lacked veterinary care, Sabatucci said. Because the animals were bred and trained to be vicious, he believes many of them will have to be euthanized.
"It's a great tragedy, because it's the only way to guarantee that they won't die in the pit," he explained. When the dogs are not fighting, "their whole life is being chained to a stake in an eight-foot circle of dirt. Their only future is to be in that pit."
Another dogfighting bust in Gadsden County, Florida, on December 30 took advantage of a state law that permits investigators to make arrests based on the possession of dogfighting implements. During a drug investigation at a property near Quincy, Gadsden authorities discovered a bloodied fighting pit, dogfight training tools, veterinary medical supplies, and 19 dogs, most of whom carried scars from fighting.
William Randall, the owner of the property, was charged with 19 counts of using animals for fighting and 19 counts of animal cruelty. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison.

Dog Fighting Kingpin Toppled in Louisiana Raid
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March 23, 2005

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©2005 HSUS
He's been called the "Godfather of dog fighting," the "dog fighting don," and even the "Babe Ruth of dog fighting.
He's been called the "Godfather of dog fighting," the "dog fighting don," and even the "Babe Ruth of dog fighting." Since March 9, Floyd Boudreaux is being called something else: an accused felon. On that day Louisiana State Police arrested Boudreaux, one of the most infamous dog fighters and breeders in the United States, along with his son Guy.
The arrests

Posted by: Jake B | September 13, 2007 02:51 PM

And just because someone pays thousands of dollars for a puppy does NOT mean that puppy will be kept or properly cared for.

Some of the dogs purchased from "reputable" breeders are getting dumped, resold, given away, left at shelters and pounds, sold to puppy mills, used in backyard breeder operations.

There is NOTHING a breeder can do about any of this. Once someone buys a dog it is theirs. Theirs to do with as they wish.

(unless state or local or federal LAWS protect that dog! yes, breeders and fanciers, laws protect YOUR dogs too!)

NO breeder "contract" in the world can prevent any of these things from happening.

And they are happening! Very often, these owners NEVER TELL the breeder that they are dumping the dog, or breeding the dog. (or they lie and claim they still have the dog!)

But this embarrassing and humiliating truth is what prompts all these kooks to DENY DENY DENY!

But I'd love to name the prominent Sheltie breeder whose dog ended up getting passed from original buyer to their sister's family, who gave the dog to a neighbor, who gave the dog to someone else- where the dog ended up on a chain at a housing project with kids throwing rocks at her until a kind soul rescued her and brought her to a shelter.

I examined the papers, the bill of sale, and that "reputable" breeder never knew that the dog has been given away, never knew the dog had NEVER BEEN SPAYED despite a signed altering contract, and that breeder still boasts to this day that "none of her dogs has ever ended up in a shelter" despite her knowledge of the truth.

Want more? I've got more.

It is sickening.

And these are the people who flock here to LIE LIE LIE and DENY DENY DENY.

Posted by: kelly | September 13, 2007 03:10 PM

If only breeders would consider opening adoption shelters and make a living that way, helping animals in need instead of cutting their chances by breeding more and leaving homeless animals to languish in shelters.

It's just sad that people choose to pay thousands of dollars for a specific breed of dog or cat, when there are lovely animals just waiting for a loving forever home for a minimal fee. It would be great if people would use the money they would have spent on a "pure bred" dog or cat and donated that to an animal welfare or animal rights organization instead.

My 3 cats are all rescues and we are proud of that fact. They are the sweetest animal companions and we love to spoil them.

Think ADOPTION first ;) and breeders, please, PLEASE consider stopping breeding and starting rescuing.

Peace ;)

Posted by: Christopher H. | September 13, 2007 03:24 PM

I'm an adoptive mother and we also have rescued dogs and pure-breed dogs. I'm wondering, "Would PETA protect the life of the unborn child like they do of animals or do they hold a different standard for humans than they do for pets?" It seem from what I've been reading that your belief systems have greatly veered off the Judeo-Christian path. Do you deify and worship animals rather than their Creator? It seems you have a venomous passion against caring people who love their pets and particularly a certain breed. Can you shed some light?

Posted by: p. s. | September 13, 2007 03:25 PM

QUOTE: (I'd like to argue that some people who breed and are, indeed, considered "reputable", do love their dogs very much)

SOME people forgot my advise from above, and didn't just PAUSE!!!! lol

While breeders are quite often not evil, the fact remains....they aren't helping the dogs, they are hurting them.

Paul

Posted by: Paul Calpin | September 13, 2007 03:35 PM

to Billie:
we don't need dogs for to hunt large game! let the large game in peace! we got breeding lobbies, hunting lobbies, vivisection lobbies, slaughterhouse lobbies and so on and all these money loving freaks are abusing animals pretending to be animal lovers and that PETA and the real animal protectors are foolish! Just let me tell you this: I had two rescued dogs from so-called breeders! They were the smallest of the puppies and the breeders wanted to throw them away! one - a white bergamasc was deaf and the collie who still lives with me and will be 14 years old next year has a blue eye and was too small for to be sold with a pedigree - so they gave him away and i found him in a horrible condition tied to a 1.50m rope in a small underground room without light! the first days he couldn't even walk normally! breeders want to earn money and i fully support the blog owner Jack with his above exposee and also Paul Calpin wrote exactly what's in my heart!

We have now in first place to find homes for all the stray dogs and cats around the world - who live and die in the most awful and horrible conditions! People who have no understanding for this situation are not animal lovers and their first thought is not animal protection but to find the best way for to make money! This is the truth - if you want it or not!

Posted by: Don Quijote | September 13, 2007 03:38 PM

Why is it that there always has to be someone who searches the blogs on an animal rights website and asks if we care more about animals than humans (babies). This site is about animals - if you want to post about babies and their importance please go to parentsmagazine.com .

Posted by: Joan Ozelis | September 13, 2007 03:50 PM

to p.s.
i'm an animal protector and have a child - so i didn't kill my unborn child! what do you mean by 'veered off the judeo-christian path? everyone here on this blog has his own faith - this is not about religion - just if religion enters into discussion concerning animal rights - but if i were you i would urgently open a history book and study the fatal destructive path by which the judeo-christian tradition damaged and even extinguished entire populations like Native North Americans, South America, Africa and India and more - special chapters: crusades, conquista, inquisition, missionary activities around the world - specially tahiti and the pacific islands! Of course the religion is never bad - it's always the human being who fails because he doesn't understand! So please - let everybody in peace with his religion and philosophy - as long as it doesn't hurt people and animals! ok?

Posted by: one more blame | September 13, 2007 04:01 PM

Joan!! Great post!!!!

I agree with you......why would these people even waste their time?

Posted by: Paul Calpin | September 13, 2007 04:06 PM

Jake B wants to talk about dog fighting.

Let's.

If you want to find some hidey holes where the dog fighter breeders are lurking and lobbying for their $$ interests, look at some of the anti-BSL and anti-pit bull bans groups.

Sounds like they love the pit bulls, huh?

Well, take a good hard look at what they REALLY are interested in!

If you notice lots of jabber opposing breeder laws and regulations, exhorting people to fight mandatory spay neuter, opposing anti-chaining laws....

well guess what you've got? No, not a pit bull doggie lover.

A BREEDER. And worse, what is most probably a DOG FIGHTER BREEDER fighting hard to keep on churning out the pups and making the money and keeping the business going. Underground. With no scrutiny.

Breeding is the lifeblood of dog fighting. To keep the game going, they need to breed large numbers of dogs. Constantly.

Well, what could be worse for the dog fighter than the state or county actually regulating dog breeding, and requiring licenses, and inspecting, and enacting rules and regulation?

Oh oh. That happens, and the pit bulls don't get tortured and killed any more!

So these breeders set up supposedly "pro" pit bull, anti-BSL websites and groups that try to rally others to fight against the breeder laws and regulations so they can keep dog fighting & breeding going.

They claim it's "good" for pit bulls to STOP breeder licensing and laws and rules and inspections!

Some of this scum even tries to pretend to be rescue groups, or advocacy groups.

You'll see some of them even denying that fighting goes on, others claim that owning fighting equipment is for "exercise."

This is the worst kind of fraud, because supporting these people and groups supports DOG TORTURE.

Many of these fighter breeders also just love to call themselves "show dog breeders" or "pulling dog breeders." They claim to be protecting the "heritage of the breeds." They have the usual nonsense about making buyers sign "contracts" that they won't fight the dogs.

Yeah, those same useless or nonexistent contracts.

Well, one guess as to where the dogs are ending up.

When their dogs are found in the fighting trade, these same breeders then say "oh, I can't control where my dog goes after I sell the animal."

No sane or honest person who truly loves pit bulls would oppose laws for licensing, regulating, inspecting breeders.

Posted by: kelly | September 13, 2007 04:12 PM

p. s.

This is not the forum for discussing unborn children, this is an animal rights forum/blog. Should you be interested in the unborn human please look up Catholic blogs or other Christian ones with a pro-life stance. While we're on the topic maybe you could ask these pro-lifers why is it they fight vehemently for the un-born but have no compassion for the already born animals? They are pro-life but eat burgers and steaks and wear leather and fur. That seems like a disconnect. Pro-life? Go Vegan. Again, FYI: This is an animal rights blog not a Judeo-Chritian forum discussing dogma. But compassion is part of Christian teachings and that should extend to ALL of God's Creation!

Posted by: Ana | September 13, 2007 05:06 PM

It doesn't matter if the breeder is "reputable" or "unreputable".

Is real simple people:

If you get ANY animal ANYWHERE other than a shelter, there is going to be a shelter animal that dies.

Period.

The shelter animal sits there, takes up space and has to be euthanized to make room for a new batch of abused, abandoned and neglected animals. Hopefully I didn't have to go that far in explaining...

It's like it's *too* simple so people dont' get it.

Posted by: Tamara | September 13, 2007 05:28 PM

Here is one comment showing how progress is prevented. It appeared in the 'Breeder' fighting arena:
>>Just let me tell you this: I had two rescued dogs from so-called breeders! They were the smallest of the puppies and.......
Ok, before awarding a World's Kindest" trophy, let's look deeper at what this is.
It's ego masturbation. It further destroys any joint effort possible within Dogdom.
For the sake of example and exposure, allow mw to respond to her in the same fashion she uses: This is NOT how I handle these topics, just showing the absurdity it creates.
Oh, that means you are wonderful....but don't crowd the space. Tell ya what. Have you paid for 800 S/Ns for people in your community? Have you spent time with over 1000 families and their dogs to help adoptions be the best possible? Did you determine how to take your town shelter from cruelty/neglect lawsuits and status of worst in the state to being proclaimed a model for highest standards, and for successful efforts to improve? Design a public low-cost S/N program Ester Meckler of SpayUSA claimed the most efficient and functional, requesting to share it all over the country? Lose 11K of your personal income to serve as interum director of a shelter and decline salary? Serve as approved wildlife rehabber for several years to heal and release orphaned and injured animals?
Is your entire life, business and personal time dedicated only to help animals?
Well, quit bragging, humble yourself, and get to work.

I could respond in that fashion, since those are some actual achievements.....but, besides use as sarcastic example, we should be above attempts to pee higher on the tree as a way to position others beneath ourselves.
See how dysfunctional superiority goals can be seen? My example is to show the common opinions or responses that result.
does Peta do this, too?

Posted by: Mr.Dawgdude | September 13, 2007 08:55 PM

kelly,

Yeah, there's alot of garbage in the pit bull world. But I think you're wrong about a few things.

I'm vegan, a PETA supporter, and the guardian of three rescued pitbulls. I oppose BSL in all forms. I'm not a dog fighter or a breeder (in fact, I hate those people). I believe in mandatory spay-neuter and harsh restrictions for "breeders" of ALL BREEDS. There is absolutely no reason to single out pit bulls. My dogs are not criminals. We should not be forced to post "dangerous dog" signs on my property, muzzle my babies when they are in public, get an absurdly huge liability policy, or be forced to move somewhere else. My dogs are well-behaved, well-loved members of the community. They are also on leash in public and have never been stray or unaccounted for since I have adopted them.

Contrary to what you think, "fight equipment" can be used for exercise. And by "fight equipment" I mean a treadmill (which in most jurisdictions is ridiculously considered "dog fight paraphenalia"). Plenty of non-fighter, non-breeder pit bull owners use treadmills. It's no shady thing, even Cesar Millan uses one. Not everyone is lucky enough to live in a neighborhood where they can walk their dogs for miles without becoming bait for some stupid thugs who think its fun to let their fighting dogs attack random dogs walking down the street. Not just that, but random loose dogs picking fights and broken glass that cuts paws are problems for those of us that don't live in the suburbs too. Pit bulls need a ton of exercise. While they should be out in fresh air exercising, sometimes things get in the way of that (like extremely unsafe temperatures) and a treadmill is a good back up. I know my dogs were miserable not being able to go on long walks in the last heat wave and I wish I had a treadmill for them to use.

Scumbag fighters and breeders don't have licensed dogs and break existing laws about altering and breeding. BSL is a moronic attempt to try to right these wrongs. If there was enforcement of existing laws we wouldn't need it. The scum will break any BSL anyway and only responsible owners will suffer, like we've seen in Denver.

Furthermore, as a society we need to stop supporting those who glorify the culture of dog fighting and the "vicious" pit bull. DMX and Big Boi from Outkast have sold how many records? while one publicly supports the fights and neglects his own dogs and the other breeds dogs only for size and not temperment (often through sibling breeding...gross).

Go after these guys, go after the real criminals. These guys don't care about BSL because they don't follow the laws anyway. Everyone I know who is involved in anti-BSL activism is a responsible owner who is against fighting and breeding.

Posted by: honey | September 13, 2007 09:13 PM

--i speak of reputable breeders who breed a few litters a year and i guess really its a matter of intention with puppymills and 'real' breeders both having the same consequences -- the deaths and increasing numbers of the homeless are indirect consequences --

therefore the blame should ALSO be placed closer to home. to the people who impulse buy, who select large dogs to live in too small a home, to those who dont neuter or spay or dont take the time to obedience train their animals -- I feel as if the breeder and buyer should be equally informed, not harassed.

however - even reputable pure-bred breeders cant fight with this -- when they breed they subject their animals to the impulsive desires of the latest dog/cat craze projected in the media and the cinema --- 101 Dalmations the movie unleashed a hyperactive work animal into domestic homes just for spoiled children. Short cats are now being bred for the 'fun of it' --- Breeds simply EXIST for popularity and superficial beauty rather than for honest field work.

Also, is there a need for a 'purebred' animal when they are seen to have more occurences of mental and physical disease due to inbreeding? Bulldogs are too short, they weight too much for their bowed legs and cant even breathe correctly, yet they were once stout and healthy sporting dogs. Collies have their noses bred soo thin that now their profiles are threatening their brain. German Shepherds and St Bernards barely live past their tenth year or sooner if they are stricken with Hip-displasia (something rare in mixbreeds) we are sacraficing good behavior, intelligence and health for the perfect comformation we want to see in ourselves and this philosophy is what creates death.

the billboard is just too simple for this issue. but its a start.

Posted by: Stasya Berber | September 13, 2007 10:58 PM

that is the dumbest thing that i have ever read people have worked for hundreds of years to protect pure bred animals
thats like saying that you should'nt have your own kids you should only adopt the kids from drug dealer & users
why not go to the problem & make it cheaper for the people that can not afford to spay.
only the very stupied would support that law

Posted by: garth | September 14, 2007 12:14 AM

I'm sure you won't allow my comments to be read on your biased blog page, as I'm a reputable breeder! So I won't waste my time, but I WILL tell you, that dogs bred by real reputable breeders are only sold on contract to people that will return the dog to their breeder, if in fact they can't keep it for some reason. You don't see reputable breeders' dogs in shelters!!!!! Plus, reputable breeders, in fact, encourage people to get a dog from a shelter, over going to the pet store & buying a puppy mill dog!!!! The puppy millers & backyard breeders are the ones you should be targeting, not the breeders that breed to the dog's standard & interview to find good homes for their puppies & take them back if the owners can't keep them.

Had to at least give you my 2 cents worth, as you people are very ignorant of how REAL REPUTABLE breeders REALLY work!!!!!! We're out there trying to make sure the breeds don't die out, by breeding to the standard of that breed for health, conformation & proper temperament!

Posted by: Cheryl Johnstone | September 14, 2007 12:16 AM

Jake B you continue to post the same article (that is 2 years old) and you apparently do not bother to read any other posts here. You appear to be one hell of a racist. You need some updated information with one exception, go through and see if you can sort out what race the abusers are. Of course I could go through and pick out only the ones that are NOT in the south and claim that the people are all of one race but then that would make me look like as big of a fool as you look like. Have a look at where these are and have fun guessing the skin color. THEY ALL NEED TO BE PROSECUTED NO MATTER WHAT COLOR THE SKIN!!
________________________

Media reports since the day Michael Vick was indicted on dogfighting charges show that law enforcement is increasingly cracking down on dogfighters, as this list of recent arrests demonstrates. While the welcome new attention on the issue is leading to more police activity, these cases—which broke up just a small fraction of the animal fighting operations still lurking in the shadows—should be only the beginning.

The dogfighting problem in this country is much bigger than Michael Vick and will not go away when his case has been resolved. Dogs bred and exploited for this bloodsport will continue to suffer long after the sports headlines turn to a different topic. These dogfighting busts are a step in the right direction, and thousands more dogs will be abused and killed if law enforcement does not maintain its new momentum against this crime.

August 20, 2007: In Atchison, Kan., law enforcement arrested two people and seized 12 dogs. They planned to file dogfighting charges.

August 19, 2007: Police arrested two teens in Toledo, Ohio, for dogfighting and seized five dogs.

August 17, 2007: The authorities seized three dogs as well as drugs (ecstasy and crack cocaine) and arrested two men in Ford Heights, Ill., on dogfighting charges.

August 17, 2007: Officials raided a home in Mount Vernon, N.Y. twice in one week, charging two people with dogfighting-related charges, and seizing a dozen dogs in all.

August 11, 2007: Law enforcement interrupted a dogfight in Detroit, Mich. The participants ran off, but officials seized three dogs, along with a fighting pit and medication commonly given to fighting dogs.

August 10, 2007: Following up on the raids in N.M. from the previous day, officials hit two locations in El Paso, Texas, and seized approximately 25 dogs.

August 10, 2007: A man in Greensboro, N.C., faced dogfighting charges upon his arrest. The authorities seized 14 live dogs and found a dead dog on the property.

August 9, 2007: Law enforcement raided two locations in Chaparral, N.M., and seized 38 dogs. Officials arrested two men associated with Southwest Kennels.

August 8, 2007: Police arrested a Beaufort, Ga., man for dogfighting. At the scene, they found 12 live pit bulls, three dead pit bulls, a dead raccoon and conditioning equipment of the type often used by dogfighters.

August 8, 2007: In Fresno, Calif., officials arrested five people and seized 11 pit bulls, in addition to drugs and firearms. At the scene, officials found six graphic videos of dogs fighting.

August 8, 2007: A drug raid in Buffalo, N.Y., turned up ten dogs who authorities believe were being used for fighting. They seized the dogs.

August 7, 2007: A car crash in Indiana County, Pa., led to the discovery of a pit bull in the back seat who had bite marks and other injuries consistent with dogfighting. Official seized the dog and arrested the driver.

August 3, 2007: The law caught up again with a convicted felon in Portland, Ore., during an arrest which netted 11 dogs. The accused dogfighter ran an operation called Dead Game Kennels.

August 3, 2007: In Indianapolis, Ind., officials arrested a man for dogfighting and seized six dogs.

August 3, 2007: Law enforcement charged a woman in Salem County, N.J., with dogfighting after her landlord found a fighting pit and an injured dog in her basement.

August 2, 2007: Police arrested two men in Austin, TX, for dogfighting, and seized two dogs.

August 2007: In the first week of the month, officials arrested five people in Saginaw, Mich., for dogfighting and seized three dogs.

July 30, 2007: Officials arrested a man in Rochester, N.Y., for dogfighting and seized an injured pit bull.

July 30, 2007: Authorities raided a dogfighting operation in Tallahassee, Fla. They arrested one man and seized 32 dogs.

July 27, 2007: Police arrested three men in Philadelphia, Pa., on dogfighting charges. They seized four dogs.

July 27, 2007: In Beaufort County, S.C., law enforcement arrested a man on animal cruelty charges and are investigating him for dogfighting. Officials found three dead pit bulls in addition to 12 live dogs seized.

July 26, 2007: Brian Bailey, a prominent dogfighter who runs a transport company and has served prison time for dogfighting, was arrested with one other person in Burbank, Ill., while making a transport run. Officials seized 12 dogs.

July 19, 2007: Police in Houston, Texas, arrested one adult and a juvenile on dogfighting charges, using a confiscated videotape to identify the suspects. The video showed young children watching the dogfight.

July 18, 2007: Officials arrested a deputy sheriff in St. Martin's Parish, La., on charges related to dogfighting and seized more than a dozen dogs.

July 2007: In the last week of the month, police in Fort Pierce, Fla., arrested a man and seized 30 dogs from a suspected dogfighting operation.

Posted by: sherri | September 14, 2007 12:35 AM

Why is it so hard to
understand?

Any dog born, adds to the overpopulation. As much as breeders would like to believe none of "their" dogs end up in shelters, statistics say otherwise. I have personally signed in Pure breds with AKC or CKC tattoos, microchips and owners have even submitted to us the contract from the registered breeders.

Its a nice dream to think "none of my dogs go to that nasty shelter place", but its not a fact.

Secondly, whats wrong with "mutts" as they so sweetly call them.?

Purebred means Inbred. Period. Breeding for temperment is hit and miss. No one bred my "mutts" for temperment and they are very well behaved. Its called training and socialzation in most cases.

As for purebreds being healthier than mixed breeds, have you seen the most common health problems listed for each breed on the AKC and CKC website? Inbreding and "standards" have MADE health problems appear.

Mixed breeds have more genetic makeup and are not inbreding themseleves. Both have health problems. Temperment is based on socialization and training in the majority of cases. Good looks and docile parents dont guarntee a good dog. There are too many factors that contribute.

Most of the breeders who have commented here have acted as though mixed breed dogs are trash anyway so who cares about shelter dogs... after all none of their dogs go there. Such a callious additude toward dogs as living creatures. I guess they only love their dogs and the ones they created. screw the shelter dogs, thats someone else's problem. Doesnt really sound like someone who loves animals now does it. Sounds more like someone who only loves their pretty dogs.

Shelters work very hard to find aninmals homes and yes some animals in shelters do have behavior issues. These issues were caused by poor training, lack of socialization and basically a poor excuse for an owner.

So, we first create them and then forget about them?

Thankfully, for ever selfish breeder who wants the dog to look a certain way because they think they look "pretty", there are real compassionate people who realize that all living creatures have value and deserve a home.

And for goodness sake, I love great danes, bull mastiffs, german shepherds, poodles,jacks and all others. that's the difference. I love them all, not just one.

P.s. there are little dogs in shelters...lol they are just popular.. if someone can wait 3-5 years for a breeders dog, they can wait 1 month of looking in shelters for one.

Posted by: Allie | September 14, 2007 01:43 AM

Kelley,
I can recognize one of your posts before I get to the end and read your name. This is due to the fact they are full of LIES LIES LIES.

Looks like the Pit Bull owner already debunked your pit bull post so I'll debunk the other. As a responsible breeder of exactly one litter of puppies in five years, I am still in contact with the owners of all four of these dogs. They were all spayed/neutered per the contract they were sold under and I have the spay/neuter certificates from each of their vets to prove it. These owners all send periodic photos of their dogs so unless they dumped the dogs I sold them at the shelter and picked up another one that looks exactly like their original dog each of these owners still have their dog 4 1/2 years later. These owners also know that I will take the dog back for any reason if they cannot keep it. As a responsible breeder (who also feeds raw at great cost to myself, does all appropriate health testing, and rigorously screens anyone buying a puppy) I am not an anomoly. All other responsible breeders do exactly as I.

Posted by: Anti-Kelley | September 14, 2007 02:16 AM

P.s. I'm not sure that your argument is sound. I'm Catholic and I"m pretty sure that in ALL other Christian (and non christian) faiths that the minimalization of suffering is paramount. And in response to your question about "deifying animals rather than their creator" I want to bring your attention to the fact the PETA is focused on what HUMANS DO TO ANIMALS not how holy the animals are. PETA is concerned with what shitty bastard crappy worthless sinful fuck-up cruel PEOPLE do to the HELPLESSSSSS creation of GOD. So i'm pretty sure that you can't find a more "judeo-christian" friendly view than that of PETA> We feel that we aren't just allowed to take the life of other beings at will b/c we like that way a grilled chicken/burger/steak/turkey/fish tastes . Sooooo...while i'm really glad you didn't have an abortion (as you shared with us) I would appreciate you to please THINK ABOUT WHAT THE FUCK YOU"RE GOING TO SAY BEFORE YOU SAY IT. Also- since you didn't have an abortion- why dont you "judeo-christianize" your kid and tell them that eating meat is mean. get off the cross- we need the wood. thanks a bunch cutie pie. muah.

Posted by: Russell | September 14, 2007 03:10 AM

Hey cheryl- you want to make a differnece make sure that the GORILLA BREED doesn't die out- give me a break- Like a said before: GET OFF YOUR CROSS CHERYL- WE NEED THE WOOD GEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZ you SUCK you're not a responsible breeder- the point is NOT that bred dogs go into shelters- it's that people overlook the shelter animal for a bred one..get off teh defensive and admit that you suck

Posted by: Russell | September 14, 2007 03:19 AM

Isn't it a good thing that dog lovers and breeders are commenting on this issue?? Isn't it a good thing that views are being expressed from both sides on this forum?? If you PETA guys just want to brainwash each other with the same old single issue, one sided arguments then limit access to your boards so that you can comdemn everyone that doesn't share your views in private......

Posted by: Alan | September 14, 2007 05:48 AM

To PS:
Being a christian, I understand your concern. If you search the internet for a rescue shelter for a specific breed, you will find that there are tens of thousands of pure breed dogs in these places. A lot of people who buy from breeders on impulse because the puppy is cute end up giving them away or turning them in to shelters.
I will give you an example, I know someone who wanted a Jack Russell. I went on-line and found a shelter for Jack Russell's. It had about 50 dogs. I gave this information to my friend. The cost of the adoption was just the spaying/neutering and shots. She then preceded to tell me that she wanted a puppy because "they are soooo cute". This is exactly the same reason why many older children grow up in foster homes while many americans go to other countries to adopt babies. These are the people that have no respect for God's creation. They only want puppies or babies that are cute and perfect. All of my pets are animals that have been "tossed away" because of the inperfections. One of my cats is completely blind, one is semi blind, another is missing one of her front legs, and the last one was partially paralized when I rescued him, but now is able to walk.
The people who don't want older or "imperfect' animals are the ones that have veered off the Judeo-Christian path.

Posted by: Janet Fitzgerald | September 14, 2007 08:43 AM

Great posts kelly, getting the pro breeders rattled shows just how much they have to hide! Thanks Jack for perservering with this topic, it isn´t just a problem in the States it´s worldwide.

Posted by: Maureen | September 14, 2007 11:14 AM

Janet Fitzgerald--

I agree with your post wholeheartedly.

These creeps who say that if they couldn't get a dog from a breeder, they wouldn't get a dog at SHOULD NEVER HAVE DOGS PERIOD. You can get love, companionship, and a walking parter as easily from a shelter dog than a breeder dog. If you are so concerned with breed and looks, you need to buy a car or a purse or some other OBJECT.

I have a mutt that is so well-behaved that she embarrassed all the purebred owners at the dog park and at the vet. This dog hardly needed any training and was completely housebroken when we got her. We are hoping to have her pass her therapy dog tests soon. The loser who dumped her lost a really wonderful dog.

Posted by: honey | September 14, 2007 11:59 AM

honey, you have a problem

Pit bull breeders and fighters have sucked naive pit bull "lovers" into supporting their interests and activities.

Oh, they won't ADMIT that is what they do. They tell you what you want to hear.

Just like Anti-kelley.
Any sweet story about how they check on their happy doggies in their new homes every day.

It is CRAP.

But they are sucking you into protecting pit bull breeding and their fighting businesses.

And you know exactly what "advocacy" groups I'm talking about. The ones that make excuses about a wide range of fighting equipment.

And who claim that scarring isn't from "fighting."

Honey, if you and your friends get conned into "fighting BSL" by opposing breeder laws and regulations and licensing, then you are HURTING pits and aiding and abetting their killers and torturers.

These breeders and fighters are very skilled at the con. They've been doing it for years.

And sadly a lot of naive people have gotten involved with them who THINK they are helping pits, but are actually sleeping with the enemy.

Posted by: kelly | September 14, 2007 12:01 PM

"that dogs bred by real reputable breeders are only sold on contract to people that will return the dog to their breeder"

EARTH To CHERYL! Are you in?

Your contracts are WORTHLESS. CRAP. GARBAGE. NO VALUE. NOT LEGALLY ENFORCEABLE. EMPTY.

Thanks in part to your breeder pals who emphasize that "dogs are property," once you sell that puppy or dog- YOU LOSE ALL RIGHTS.

It belongs to the new owner, and they can do as they wish.

It is the NEW OWNER'S property.

They DO NOT have to return the dog to you, they do not have to spay and neuter, they can breed the dog.

and you have NO SAY in the matter.

Even if you have a thousand contracts!

You have no rights whatsover.

So unless there are local or state or federal laws protecting that dog or puppy from abuse or irresponsible activity (you know, the kind of humane laws you fight against and oppose!) you are screwed.

YOUR CONTRACTS ARE WORTHLESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: kelly | September 14, 2007 12:14 PM

ALAN,
You are a Clown.

Maher and Newkirk
2008

Posted by: Judith, Freedom Fighter | September 14, 2007 01:16 PM

Oh and by the way? Some of these "reputable" breeders that support the profits and the puppy mills pretend to be journalists.

They write columns that have appeared in some mainstream news outlets where they don't acknowledge or divulge the fact that they are even breeders, let alone represent for-profit interests.

And they use these outlets to propagandize for the breeder lobby in the name of "dog care."

And fight against humane legislation.

Reprehensible.

Posted by: kelly | September 14, 2007 01:19 PM

I don't know how I feel about this.

I'm 22 and when I was 21 I got my first cat from a shelter. She was very young, obviously a runt...it was kitten season and all the other kittens were out the front but she was out the back. We took her home and fell in love with her. We don't have a lot of money so when she got sick we spent thousands trying to understand what was wrong..it was FIP, a fatal disease often contracted in shelters. We were devastated.

I thought I wouldn't get another cat but even after a week I felt so lonely. So we looked on trademe (version of ebay but way better in NZ) for another cat...there were lots. Most of them from regular people who didn't spay their cats and let their cats have kittens (UGH). We decided to go to the shelter again. There were 4 cats, all of them grossly overweight. We weren't prepared to take on a fat cat because they require a LOT of dietary monitoring.

So we looked on the net again and decided we wanted an older cat, not a kitten. Anyway one of the ads was for these laperms, the breeder had stopped breeding, she didn't want them around, she hadn't attended to them for months so they'd been inside alone most of the time. We went there just out of curiosity because Oliver had known some laperm cats and really loved them.

The breeder had had enough and was practically giving the cats away for free (we ended up paying less than we did at the shelter for the kitten). The cat I fell in love with wasn't very sociable...and it's taken us MONTHS to get him to be even a lap cat but you know....I hate having to battle with this. I love different breeds but I don't like the atmosphere of breeders at all. It's smelly and chaotic.

Anyway our cat was lonely so we then found another reject cat who was a 'mistake' from a breeder. They were trying to get rid of them but nobody was biting because well, they were halfies. So we got her, and they get along famously.

Anyway...I'm torn because different breeds ARE beautiful. But currently breeding ain't responsible. I don't think different breeds should die though...but I think in this day and age it's just not appropriate to breed animals. It just leads to more suffering.

Different breeds are beautiful...breeding...just ain't.

Posted by: Frances | September 16, 2007 06:35 AM

When people want a companion animal in their home, the only humane choice is to adopt from a shelter.

END OF STORY...............

Breeders touting to be reputable... the AKC touting to promoting the breed.... should apply a self-imposed one year moratorium on breeding. While these two entities have all this time on their hands, they can route out the "mills" and put the 'puppy machines' out of bu$ine$$.

The local ordinances in/of every community should enact mandatory spay/neuter laws.

BSL is BS. Dogs raised in the wrong environment create the evil blood-sport we hear about today. We all must work for stronger laws that address the issue of blood-sports. Now that this issue is squarely in the news spotlight, lets take advantage of it.

The reputable breeders and the AKC must help!

-- DJ-- Midwest

Posted by: bigfanx | September 16, 2007 10:19 AM

I don't think these statements are absolutes:
- all breeders are only in it for money.
- to buy a dog from a breeder means that a shelter dog dies.

These statements ARE absolutes, however:
- there are thousands and thousands of healthy, loving animals killed every year in shelters just because no one wants them.
- there are also thousands and thousands of un-neutered animals wandering around making that problem worse by the minute.
- there ARE many breeders who irresonsibly breed dogs with health problems and emotional problems and those puppies often end up in shelters. There are also breeders who specialize in new "designer breeds" just to indulge some stupid whim of fad or fashion and some of the results are devastating for the dogs.
- there ARE breeders who are just in it for the money, too, and there are some very irresponsible shelters whose policies result in illness and injury to the dogs. There are shelters that don't have enough money to care for the amount of animals that they house, and the "no-kill" policy often simply means that an animal will be turned away because there's no room. Those dogs are NOT necessarily finding homes any better than the regular shelters' dogs, which means that while they're not killed, they can live out their lives in a cage or a small run and never have a home.
The problem with taking an absolute point of view is that there ARE no absolutes when it comes to the problem of unwanted animals in this country. For every solution, there is a concomitant problem, but for every problem there ISN'T always an easy solution. Anyone involved in rescue and shelters could attest to that.
One of the ways to truly HELP is to actively promote and work towards spaying and neutering all dogs. To say that this would eventually result in NO dogs is like saying that if everyone stopped eating meat there would be no cows or chickens. That may be so - ultimately - but we are no where NEAR that ultimate, and until it becomes an issue, it's a stupid argument, frankly. What we ARE dealing with right now is the needless suffering of animals, and in great quantities, and one of the ways to help, as far as cats and dogs are concerned, is to spay and neuter them.

There ARE no easy answers. There ARE no one-shot solutions. But one solution that IS obvious is that dogs and cats should be neutered until/unless there gets to be a shortage of dogs and cats, in which case the whole issue will be reconsidered anyway.

Posted by: Susannah S | September 16, 2007 11:42 AM

Thanks for such an intelligent repost Judith the Freedom Fighter. You have converted me ......

Posted by: Alan | September 17, 2007 04:15 AM

Yet again.

Responsible breeders will never have a puppy in the pound. We microchip our dogs-we KNOW where they are. If they ever do make it into a shelter, we'll drive cross-country to get them and then blacklist the former owners in the show circles.

The people you want are these maniac 'I bred a labrador and a poodle so I'm gonna say it's a Labradoodle! and sell it for $1000!'. Not those of us actually devoted to our dogs.

As for those of you who think we actually don't give a care about our animals? Think what you want. Obviously I can't change your mind. But I know, if anything ever happened to my dogs, due to breeding or otherwise, I'd be heartbroken. They're family first-just like with all of us. And they're never a source of income... except to the vet.

Posted by: Lilu | September 17, 2007 10:59 AM

Lilu, many in shelters and rescues have placed your dogs and those of other "reputable" breeders.

You didn't even know the buyers dumped the dog!

Posted by: kelly | September 17, 2007 03:55 PM

Many buyers are either emabarrassed to admit that they don't want the dog any more, or want some of their money back and prefer to SELL rather than give back to the breeder and get no $$.

Many would rather give away to relatives and friends.

And many of Lilu's breeder comrades don't have the space to take back, or refuse to, as another poster noted.

Posted by: kelly | September 17, 2007 03:58 PM

Frances--I am so sorry to hear about your experience with FIP--I lost my beloved cat Yoda to it several weeks ago. I adopted her from our local HS when she was 9 months and she died at 2 years. It was just awful, but I would do it again in a minute. She was happy and loved. FIP is a problem in the entire cat population--both in shelters and in catteries. The disease does not make any distiction between purebreds and mixed breed alley cats. FIP can wipe out an established breeding operation, so don't assume specially bred cats are automatically healthy. There is no reliable test for this mutation on the market. I did wait a while before falling in love with Noor, my new kitten, also a shelter baby.

Posted by: Kelley | September 17, 2007 08:11 PM

So let me get this straight.. What yopu folks are saying is that all breeding should be stopped and we just let all breeds of dogs disappear from the face of this earth? Hmmm..sounds like you folks are some sort of Gods..

Posted by: Kerry | October 17, 2007 02:57 PM

So let me get this straight.. What yopu folks are saying is that all breeding should be stopped and we just let all breeds of dogs disappear from the face of this earth? Hmmm..sounds like you folks are some sort of Gods..

Posted by: Kerry | October 17, 2007 02:58 PM

YOU KNOW I'VE SUPPORTED PETA ON MANY THINGS,BUT NOT ON THIS.YES THERE ARE MANY BREEDERS WHO ARE OUT FOR THE QUICK BUCK,BREED THE DOGS AND SELL.BUT FOR EVERYONE OF THEM THERE IS THREE RESPONSIBLE BREEDERS WHO MAKE SURE THAT THEIR BABIES ARE GOING TO A GOOD HOME.HOMES THAT PROVIDE THEM WITH SHELTER,FOOD,WATER,COMPANIONSHIP,TRAINING AND LAST BUT NEVER LEAST LOVE.HOW DO I KNOW THIS BECAUSE I HAVE A PURE BREED CORGI,I WENT THROUGH THE RINGER TO AQUIRE HIM.ANSWERED MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT MY WORK LIFE,PERSONAL LIFE AND HABITS,THEN I EVER THOUGHT POSSIBLE.THE PERSON A RECIEVED MY LITTLE GUY FROM HAS ALWAYS STAYED IN CONTACT WITH ME,HAS BEEN PARTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SUCCESS I HAVE HAD WITH HIS DEVELOPMENT.HE IS WITHOUT A DOUBT A HAPPY,HEALTHY AND PLAYFUL THREE YEAR OLD.
AS FOR THE FACT THAT THEIR CONTRACTS ARE USELESS THEN YOU'VE NEVER ADOPTED A DOG FROM A SHELTER BECAUSE GUESS WHAT YOU SIGN ALMOST THE EXACT SAME CONTRACT,THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THE SHELTER DOESN'T TRUST YOU ENOUGH TO GET THE DOG/BITCH SPAYED OR NUETERED,SO THEY DO IT FOR YOU.HOW DO I KNOW THIS BECAUSE I ALSO HAVE WONDERFUL LITTLE BABIES THAT COME FROM SHELTERS.I ACTUALLY SUPPORT MY LOCAL NO-KILL SHELTER.AND OUR LOCAL HUMAN SOCIETY AND THE SPCA.SO I GUESS THAT ALSO ANSWERS YOU GUYS CLAIM THAT BY HAVING A PURE BREED ANIMAL YOU KILL SHELTER ANIMALS.I ACTUALLY RIGHT NOW AT THIS TIME HAVE 1 PURE BRED DOG AND 4 RESCUE ANIMALS,A DOG,TWO CATS AND BELIEVE IT OR NOT A FISH.ACTUALLY REALLY GOOD BREEDERS ASLO RECOMMEND YOU TRY TO RECIEVE ANIMALS FROM SHELTERS AND RESCUE.MAYBE YOU SHOULD TRY MEETING A REALLY GOOD BREEDER AND TALKING TO THEM BEFORE CONDEMNING THEM ALL.

Posted by: DAWN BECK | November 25, 2007 10:22 PM

After reading these comments about dog breeders, I had to say something. My Grandmother is a dog breeder and has been for 20 years. From first hand experience I can tell you that not all breeders are evil and just in the business to make a quick buck. I have adopted from the shelters and they do NO background check on the individual making the adoption. My Grandmother has turned buyers aways and refused to sell them a puppy because she felt they were not responsible, too young or doing it for the wrong reasons. Shelters do not do this! I hope that by increasing the amount of good breeders, not only will it force breeder mills out of business, but it will help weed out bad dog owners.

Posted by: sara finlayson | June 20, 2008 09:39 PM

I have a comment about the religion issue. One poster here was commenting on how caring about dogs is not part of the Judeo-Christian ethic.

I disagree. True religion involves compassion, mercy, using our God given intelligence to solve problems and respect for all beings. Many Christians do not see it that way but it is the true way. To turn away from suffering due to religion is not being religious AT ALL, it's being heartless. Do you think your God is happy with you being heartless? I think not.

About the abortion issue. I think we need to look at both issues. Killing is killing and we need to have respect for all beings and that includes the ones in the womb. It's funny where I re considered this...from Buddhism! In one particular Buddhist book I read "if you have an abortion, you will be aborted in another life". It made me reconsider that all life matters...dogs, other animals and unborn babies.

But aside from that, caring about animals does not preclude caring about humans. I often feel that argument is an excuse to not care at all.

Posted by: Soliel | June 23, 2008 08:27 PM

The cute, black-spotted horse-loving dalmation.
The sweet, energetic, brave Cairn terrier (remember Toto?)
The rugged, wolf-like malamute.
The big-nosed, intelligent, loyal collie
Those good ole boys--the bloodhound and the bluetick coonhound.
The German shepherd dog.
The scary-intelligent border collie.
The Poodle
That clumsy-looking hero of a dog, the Saint Bernard.
The golden retriever.
The labrador retriever (somebody find me a labrador and I'll retrieve it!).
The beagle.
The Scotty.
Nice aren't they.
Without breeders they wouldn't exist.
No to puppy mills
Yes to responsible breeders.
Yes to spaying and neutering.
Yes to saving a life by getting a pet from a shelter.
But also yes, to having such a thing as breeds.

Posted by: Peter McEwen | August 14, 2008 02:59 PM

Do not blame the breeders, blame the people who put the dogs in the shelters in the first place!

Posted by: Jessica | September 28, 2008 07:17 PM

Having worked in an animal shelter, I can tell you first hand how many "purebred" animals from "reputable" breeders actually turn up at animal shelters when they are no longer cute little puppies. Almost half of the animals at the shelter where I worked were purebreds purchased from reputable breeders. When a puppy is purchased from a breeder, the new owners forget that soon the puppy will grow up and become an adult dog. When that happens they're no longer cute and end up neglected, abused and unwanted.
Myself, I would eventually like to get a dog. When I am ready, I will adopt and give a shelter dog a chance.

Posted by: pam | December 29, 2008 12:10 PM

Not all breeders are created equal. And the bad breeders usually turn out to be BYBs or puppy farmers - you should be condemning those bastards instead of tarring all breeders with the same brush.

I have a German Shepherd/Lab bitch from the SPCA and a German Shepherd male from...dun DUN DUNNN!!! A reputable breeder. Both are great!

Upon buying 'my boy' at the breeders - I was interviewed and they observed how the dog reacted around me. I walked around the premises to see the dogs' area - they were happy running around on the farm! They were more than happy to answer questions about the German Shpeherd diet and care - showed me his pedigree and medical history and we spent a good four hours talking about their dogs and the German Shepherd in general. Would a BYB/puppy farmer do that? NO!

...plus good/experienced breeders DO NOT inbreed their dogs and will breed a very small litter of pups each year.

"Many buyers are either emabarrassed to admit that they don't want the dog any more, or want some of their money back and prefer to SELL rather than give back to the breeder and get no $$."

Bullshit. Like my son, I enjoy taking my dogs out for car rides and walks in the park and would never give them up. If it came down to that, then I would return it to the breeder. Why? At least I know their background.

Posted by: jael | January 8, 2009 06:31 AM

Why do we have so many unwanted dogs and cats? It comes from Selfishness, irresponsibility, carelessnes on the part of a multitude of people.

Why do so many attack and target breeders who carefully place the animals they sell, who are responsible and truley love their animals?

How about educating kids at home and in school at an early age by teaching them the importance of being a responsible pet owner. Teach kids what happens to all these unwanted animals because of irresponsible, careless, people. Lets do our best to get through to them at an early age. This could help.

Pet shops and shelters could encourage prospective or new pet owners to watch videos on site or hand out materials that could help educate people about the consequences of irresponsible breeding and care of pets.

Posted by: Marie | January 14, 2009 01:40 AM