Bravo! Love how interested the passerby look! Love the new commercial (Buy One, Get One) too, maybe it will wake a few people up. Thanks PETA

Posted by: Stacy P | February 12, 2008 03:25 PM

This demo looks amazing! Well done...........

Posted by: John Carmody | February 12, 2008 03:27 PM

Awesome demo! Breeding animals are really bad, I hope people will get the idea and adopt animals from shelters istead!

Great blog Jack! :)

Posted by: Thomas Olsen | February 12, 2008 03:29 PM

That's so true. I hate dog shows and breeders. They kill dogs in shelters! Not to mention the dogs of theirs that end up in shelters and the cruelty of dog shows in general. How would you like to have your tail cut off, your ears cut, and a choke yanked around your neck, just to show how pretty you are? The show dog world is evil! The breeding industry is the reason there are hundreds of thousands of pets dying in shelters. Its the breeder's fault that these dogs are dying! They should be ashamed! So should Westminister! And the AKC, who opposes spay/neuter laws! Westminister should be ashamed at what its doing to shelter dogs!!!

Posted by: Aleasha | February 12, 2008 03:59 PM

Jack, Jack, Jack,
It doesn't get much better than this.
This was brilliant, amazing,
well thought out, call it what you want.
What an amazing group of activists.
Bless them all.
I so hope that people will change their minds after walking by these Angels holding signs.
Please folks, adopt a shelter dog, they will give you all the love they have, and believe me thats a lot.
Great job PETA.
Great job.

Posted by: Judith, Freedom Fighter for Animals | February 12, 2008 04:15 PM

While these freak dog breeders fool around here, countless dogs emprisoned in puppy mill cages are suffering so that AKC can pay the bills for these lame shows.

And these dog breeders could care less.

The AKC makes most of its income from puppy mill registrations (and some of the worst mills in the country.) That is what pays the bills for dog shows, breed club activities, lobbying, salaries.

Posted by: kelly | February 12, 2008 04:21 PM

Thanks to the protesters!

Posted by: Mke | February 12, 2008 05:34 PM

good job everyone :) does anyone know how the proteters were met?

Posted by: NutMeg | February 12, 2008 05:51 PM

I'm happy that PETA is confronting the breeders and the breeding industry.

Everyone must learn that there is no such thing as ethical breeding. They breed, you buy, animals die. We can stop this cycle of oppression.

Please never buy from stores that still sell live animals, advocate spay-and-neuter to everyone you know, and always adopt!

Posted by: Brandon Becker | February 12, 2008 06:00 PM

While I appreciate the desire to see no animals ever die in an animal shelter, I would hope that others could also see a reason to have animals reproduce not merely as a matter of chance. Not every dog ever born should be an accident. There is a place in our culture for intentionally bred animals. To prevent intentional breeding would still do nothing about the deaths in animal shelters. Only responsible pet care can prevent that. But not every puppy born should be the result of someone's carelessness, or of the unnaturally high sex drives to be found in many urban strays. I'm not trying to defend puppy mills; I am trying to defend people who breed members of their favorite breeds as a matter of furtherance of that breed's abilities. Because there ARE differences in different breeds.

Posted by: marsha | February 12, 2008 06:20 PM

Fox sports has a lively dog show chat going on. You can find it through MSN's story about Uno the beagle. I sugest all PETA members sign on and discuss the realuty of dog brreding there. I did yesterday. I have to check and see if my comments are listed today.

Posted by: Kelley | February 12, 2008 07:18 PM

Thats me 3rd from the left :)It was so cold out but I was more then happy to be there...

Posted by: Mya | February 12, 2008 07:48 PM

this is so awesome!!!!!!!!!!!
GO PETA!!! i wish i could have been there!!!!!!!!!! keep up the good work peta!!! dog shows SUCK!!!!!! I HATE the dog breeders! they kill shelter dogs chances. i would NEVER buy a dog. only adopt. the breeders say they care about the dogs but if they really did they wouldnt breed them. i hope people start adopting. i hate it when people buy their petS!!!!!!!! PLEASE THINK ABOUT ADOPTING A PET!! my dad rescued our dog off the streets and she is one of the best dogs you could ever ask for! ;-) DONT SHOP, ADOPT!

Posted by: caitlin | February 12, 2008 08:45 PM

Great job! I was wondering if protester would be there. Awesome. I need to do the same thing at our local dog shows and pet stores.

Posted by: Teresa | February 12, 2008 08:48 PM

I would just like to say that it is backyard breeders that cause animals to end up in shelters. Responsible breeders only sell on a spay nueter contract and have very few litters. A responsible breeder also sells on contract that the dog is to never end up in a shelter. Before you blast breeders please get your facts straight. It is the people who buy from pet stores and backyard breeders that put dogs in shelters, not responsible breeders.

Posted by: Leita | February 13, 2008 02:41 AM

I Love dog shows because my spayed and neutered dogs and I compete in Agility, Obedience, Tracking, Herding, and Carting. I train them and then get to be judged against others based on how well I trained them. It is such a bonding experience! And the UKC shows allow mixed breed dogs to compete in performance events as well!
Westiminster (HELLO) is a show for Breedable dogs just like livestock shows. Not all breeders are bad!!! Poo Poo to PETA for getting the facts wrong again!!!!

Posted by: SwissDogMix | February 13, 2008 08:40 AM

Please don't forget the cats. Cats are being bred with short legs, pushed in faces so extreme they can't breathe well, the wedge head is extreme for the siamese cats and the list goes on. Cats and kittens die also because of irresponsible breeders. MEOW!

Posted by: Ana | February 13, 2008 09:20 AM

I wish I could have been there

Posted by: CARSON | February 13, 2008 09:39 AM

Well, both of my dogs are purebreds. I have a german shepard & a chihuahua. But i would have been just as happy if they were mix breeds.
My chihuahua Cheewa was found roaming the streets in Johnson County.only a couple days old. She is currently 12 or 13.

My german shepard Mieke Michelle was found near a post office tied to a pole. she was very skinny, sick, and malnourished. nobody cared about her.
I LOVE her! She gets all her proper care, and is pretty large now. we have a HUGE backyard for her to play in, shes very happy.
We had acutally wanted a German Shepard, and my stepdad was gonna pay a breeder, one thing
But my cousins dog Spot is a mix breed and i love himm....

Posted by: Amber Lear | February 13, 2008 10:35 AM

Does anyone think/feel it's a little ironic, the dog to win "best in show" is the Begal? The most popular dog used in labs through out the world.

My only opinion would be that since PETA made awareness outside the show. The people higher up in the Westminsterare are aware of this, and figured people would do their own research after seeing the demonstration that was made. Attendees would come to know the ugly truth behind animal testing. So maybe the people higher up were trying to glorify the Begal? Trying to cover up the ugly truth of animal testing. Which they are in on to fattin up their pockets.

Umm...I wonder where Uno's brothers and sisters that could not be sold are? Possibly New Jersey, in a lab somewhere? Breeders, and Dog Clubs are all in on it.

Posted by: Diana | February 13, 2008 11:25 AM

OK. I know I'm going to take some flack for this one. It's true that there are numerous, and I mean NUMEROUS unscrupulous breeders, puppy mills, etc., and that the AKC does not regulate the breeders or what they do to the degree that they should. But it's just not in me to condemn ALL breeders, or to say that they're all shysters and crooks and puppy mill types, because they're not.
The two breeders from whom I got my Cairns were the most wonderful families anyone could meet, and they had very few litters and took care of all the animals in their homes, loved them, and couldn't have provided better for them. And the dogs are great friends and great dogs. My third dog, Sadie, is a rescue from the pound. She, too, is a marvelous dog and if I hadn't brought her home she would have been killed. But to say that the breeders are TOTALLY responsible for Sadie's BEING in the pound is absurd, in my opinion. The people responsible for Sadie's care mistreated her, neglected her, and let her starve almost to the point of death before they surrendered her. I think that blaming ALL breeders is wrong. I think dog "owners" have to step up, too, and take responsibility when they take a dog home.

All dogs NOT meant to be "show dogs" should be neutered, not culled or killed. And THAT'S a crime that breeders definitely need to answer for, or at least the big-time breeders of the sort that furnish the dogs for shows like Westminster. But the little home family breeders like the ones who whelped my Cairns are NOT responsible for the carnage in the pounds and shelters. The dog "owners" who refused to assume responsibility are the culprits there. Or, at least, that's what I think.
Sometimes in our zeal to protect our animal friends, I think we paint with too broad a brush and lose the very valid points we're trying to make. Good job, though, PETA in bringing the "breeder problem" to the public's attention!

Posted by: Susannah S | February 13, 2008 11:30 AM

Thanks Peta you are bunch ass holes, I don't want a mixed breed dog such as puddle mixed with a pug I want the damn damn pug so stick that in your pipe and smoke it!

Posted by: Daniel | February 13, 2008 12:51 PM

I know that this email will not posted as I oppose most of PETA's stand. But I cannot let some mis-information stand
Judith stated "

The AKC makes most of its income from puppy mill registrations (and some of the worst mills in the country.) That is what pays the bills for dog shows, breed club activities, lobbying, salaries "

Each dog show is supported by the show giving club not AKC. AKC does not send any money to local breed clubs, performance clubs or any other dog club.

Please get your facts straight before posting inflaming commentsa

Posted by: Suzan Adolph | February 13, 2008 01:50 PM

Mya,
You are a wonderful human being. And I hope you have warmed up by now.
Peace to you!

Posted by: Judith, Freedom Fighter for Animals | February 13, 2008 02:04 PM

Suzan Adolph, don't lie for the AKC.

The AKC SPONSORS DOG SHOWS AND PAYS THE BILLS.

And puppy mill registration income provides the cash for your dog shows and other activities.

(But it interesting to see that you, as an AKC breeder, don't even care that the AKC makes most of its income from puppy mill registrations. What a disgrace. Shame on you.)

Posted by: kelly | February 13, 2008 02:42 PM

susannah, your "little home family breeders" are selling unaltered dogs that some buyers don't get fixed. Then guess what happens? More litters and accidents.

And your breeders and their lobby OPPOSE things like anti-cruelty laws, puppy mill licensing and inspections, and anything that might mean that fewer dogs suffer and die.

Posted by: kelly | February 13, 2008 02:46 PM

Susannah,

Hi! Your comments are thoughtful and well spoken, as usual. I always find your words nicely said.

I know what you're saying, and many breeders have good hearts and really do take great care of their animals.

I think we are focusing waaaaaay too much on "whose fault is it" and "this dog from a breeder did not go to a shelter". We should be looking at the big picture.

The big picture is that 30 to 40 percent of cats and dogs in shelters are purebreds, given up by people who bought them from breeders.

Breeders can't possibly predict which adopters are going to wind up surrendering to shelters - so every time they adopt out a cat or a dog to someone, they are gambling with the lives of shelter animals.

No disrespect intended - Sadie is a very lucky girl, and bless you for giving her a great home!! ;)

Posted by: Maya, C.V.T. | February 13, 2008 03:27 PM

Dear, Suzan Adolph
Get your names right. As you have made a real nut out of yourself.
You must calm down and read a little slower.
Also this is not an email, this is a post.
Please, get your names and facts straight!
Peace!

Posted by: Judith, Freedom Fighter for Animals | February 13, 2008 04:20 PM

yes all breeders are evil. whoever says they aren't either IS one, is RELATED to one, or is a canine breed-ist (kind of like racism). please don't justify breeding by saying it helps advance certain breeds of dog. DOGS are just DOGS. just like humans are all the same race, so are dogs.
p.s. breeders= bit*h nasties

Posted by: Vegancakes | February 13, 2008 04:38 PM

um...you can get a pure bred PUG from a rescue society duh.

Posted by: rebecca | February 13, 2008 05:40 PM

i agree with ana also!!!!!!!
i dont think ANY animals should be bred! i totally forgot about cats being bred. PLEASE ADOPT FROM SELTERS!! there are wonderful animals waiting for loving homes!! please give shelters a chance!! ;-) oh and susannah, maybe the breeders you got your dogs from are nice and the dogs are great, but there are dogs in shelters being put down because they need homes and ALL breeders- even if they are nice- are killing there chances!!! but i do agree with some of what you said at the end!! diana, i totally agree with you!!! oh and, there are some purebreeds in shelters though, so you could check in there daniel. and fuck you daniel! ;-p mixed breed dogs are great!!! oh yeah, how could i forget!!! i LOVE the commercial you made PETA!! you guys ROCK!! keep up the good work!! ;-) oh and i agree with a lot of others who posted here too!!! oh yeah, like nutmeg asked, does anyone know how the protesters were met!?!

Posted by: caitlin | February 13, 2008 05:46 PM

Leita--breeders are all greedy irresponsible people. They send puppies out into the world with worthless S/N contracts. If they really cared about pet population control, they would have the puppies altered themselves. But they don't because this cuts into their (untaxed) profits.

Any way you slice the pie, there are only so many homes for animals in this country, and every time someone buys a dog from a breeder, there is one less home for a shelter animal.

Posted by: Kelley | February 13, 2008 07:02 PM

we have 2 dogs that we got from breeders. both we set to be put down because they were the scrawny little runts.
i know ill probably be called cruel but i think by us taking the puppies that we saved them from an undeserved death. and they funny thing is our little runts are now bigger then their litter mates. and i wouldn't give them up for the world.

Posted by: kaddy | February 13, 2008 07:08 PM

What I have not heard mentioned is the lives these "Perfect" dogs lead. From what I understand, Uno has 4 different owners! Is this some kind of doggy commune, where the love is flowing, or is Uno seen as an investment, or a fancy car? I have seen documentaries where these show animals are kept separate from families, in crates (and to be fair, animals that were family and show pets too). It starts at events like this Westminister dog show, where an animal is rewarded for what it looks like, what it represents, and it works it way down into society, with pets kept locked up, on chains, in backyards, isolated.

Posted by: Claire | February 13, 2008 08:44 PM

I know that this email will not posted as I oppose most of PETA's stand. But I cannot let some mis-information stand
Judith stated "

The AKC makes most of its income from puppy mill registrations (and some of the worst mills in the country.) That is what pays the bills for dog shows, breed club activities, lobbying, salaries "

Each dog show is supported by the show giving club not AKC. AKC does not send any money to local breed clubs, performance clubs or any other dog club.

Please get your facts straight before posting inflaming commentsa

Posted by: Suzan Adolph | February 13, 2008 09:58 PM

Kelly, you need to get your facts straight - I have belonged to Performance clubs, Specialty clubs & All-Breed clubs - not once in 30 years have any clubs received money from AKC to put on shows - or for any reason - As a matter of fact Clubs are currently required to pay to AKC $.50 for each dog entered (Recording fee) and $3.00 per entry (dogs can be entered in more than one class) for an Event Service Fee. Check your facts, The only show sponsored by AKC is the annual Invetational Dog Show held each December - and most of the costs are born by the entry fees the exhibitors pay

As for the comment that AKC makes most of it's money from Puppy Mills - True - but AKC spends a great deal of money each year inspecting these mills & reports sub-standard to the local athorities - Legally they can not do more - except to revoke the owners AKC priviledges
Please get your facts straight

Posted by: Suzan Adolph | February 13, 2008 10:11 PM

vegancakes, dogs aren't all the same, if you want one to carry in your handbag you'd want a small one, chase sheep a medium one and for a police dog a nice big one.

Posted by: rojo | February 14, 2008 09:45 AM

Once again peta is taking an extreme measure on a matter to a simple problem. Let me first say that i am an employee at pet smart and i am fortunate enough to see a lot of shelter dogs which is good, alot of people are adopting animals which is very positive so thats good. but there are also alot of dogs that are bought and they are bought for a number of reasons, either because the buyer trusts the breeder and knows exactly what they are getting, or they want a specific breed of dog for a particular reason or they want a dog do or act a certian way. me in particuluar i am in law enforcement and i am a college student so i have to have a dog that i know will do the work i need it to do, the really, good breeders do something that shelters cant and that is garentee health and behaviors, shelters arent giving ofa screenings and geneticly testing for hereditary diseases good breeders are and they are doing that to better the canine world. so to say and tell people to never buy from a breeder is being just what you are speaking out agaist a "master race" of people who just want you to get your animal from a shelter. Peta knows good and well that people will not stop breeding dogs becasue thats what they love and thats how they make a lagitimate living and there is absolutley nothing wrong with that. it is selfish for peta to ask people who invested most of thier lives and a large portion of time and income to just "stop" becuse shelter dogs are not being placed. the majority of shelter dogs are mixes and are not coming from breeders who show thier dogs. if you have good stock you wont ever have to worry about placing your dog because people will be lined up to buy them soon as a litter is welped so peta needs to rethink its aproach and take into consideration the the whole dog world and not just the shelter or rescue aspect of it

Posted by: Dedrick Tucker | February 14, 2008 10:57 AM

to me dog lovers are apporoaching it the wrong way completley instead of people jumping down each others throat about pure bred or mixed dogs, we need to try to talk to the real estate agents and housing owners to try to strike a deal with them because the problem is not finding people who like dogs and can properly care for them, its the real estate and the housing authorities who wont allow dogs in thier buildings that ruin shelter dogs and any dogs chances. we need to look at the real problem instead of this rivalry because dogs were made to better the lives of humans and some were bred for spesific tasks and that is what makes the dog so fasinating the fact that it is the most diverse mammal on the face of the earth physically and behaviorlly and to ruin dat wit sensless propoganda is simply ignorant because just like people like mutts and mixed breeds people also like pure breds so lets not make the problem into something bigger than what it really is, lets tackle the main problem, the real estate companies

Posted by: Dedrick Tucker | February 14, 2008 11:13 AM

diana you are about the only one that is making any sense on this site you understand both sides of it. cuz i breed my rottie has absoulutly nothing to do with a maltse mix or a lab mix dying in the shelter, once again feel that we need to adress the real problem which is the housing authorities to stob being so anal about dogs "especially big ones" then when more people can have dogs the more they can be placed, but to control all off it for one parties favor is purely communist

Posted by: Dedrick Tucker | February 14, 2008 11:25 AM

Good, good, good for you! Wonderful protest and I believe it got the point across!

Posted by: Jacquie Nielsen | February 14, 2008 11:51 AM

Suzan, your deceits about AKC finances are the usual from the usual.

But it is despicable to lie about AKC's socalled inspections. They are WORTHLESS. Some of the most horrible puppy millers brag that the AKC inspector is on their side and helps protect their business. And lies for them.

The AKC colludes with these people to mass-produce puppies raised in cruelty and suffering.

Posted by: kelly | February 14, 2008 12:16 PM

Although I have always rescued my pets and never wanted to purchase any animal from a pet store, I did. The puppy was in such deperate straits I broke down and did it. Was her life not worth saving because she was in a shop? I contacted the AKC within months to find out how the rules went for breeders because the puppy had hip dysplagia in both hips and I was told without surgery she would have to be put down. At $3000 per hip, how many of her brothers and sisters are now dead? I was pissed off only to find out that AKC breeding of 2 healthy dogs is done only "on your honor". My purpose was for the breeder to be ordered to never to breed that dam and sire again. Not going to happen! They will do what they wish and continue all for the dollar. Face it, the dog show people are the MINORITY - more "breeders" just do it for the money and do not care what the health of the pups will be in the end. I would like to see PETA take them on and demand they make STRICT breeding standards in some way. If you get a chance please watch Science of the Dogs on National Geographic. Humans have genetially "made" the dog what it is today and humans are responsible for most of the genetic defects that are being passed down generation to generation. The term "purebred" is ludicrous!

You go PETA, I think the protest was right on!!

Posted by: RescueALab | February 14, 2008 01:44 PM

The most important thing is to teach (not preach) spay & neuter- the joys of adopting- not buying from petstores, etc. I like dogshows, and go every year. I meet others interested in rescue and who also love a certain breed. It is the USDA that inspects, not AKC- Why not spend the time and energy changing USDA and all the harm it does to ALL creatures? I love all you do PETA, yet sometimes you go WAY over the edge & it ends of pushing people away instead of drawing them in. Yes, it is important to get people's attention but MORE important to keep it!! Comparing the KKK to AKC is insulting to me. I do not want to see a picture of white robes or see a mention of them, ANYWHERE- EVER! Shame on you. There may be alot I do not agree with concerning the AKC but lumping every breeder in one large group and comparing them to the KKK? Really. Shame.

Posted by: MIchell | February 14, 2008 02:57 PM

RescueaLab...well said. I came close to buying a baby boxer from a petstore at one time. I felt so bad for her. She was so small, and she had snot running down her nose. I felt so bad I couldn't bring myself to buy her Just by looking at her I knew she wouldn't make it once someone bought her. More then likely she's no longer alive. I too have seen the documentry on "The Science of Dogs". And it's so true.

Posted by: Diana | February 14, 2008 05:08 PM

Two reasons why breeding is wrong:

1. There are millions of animals already killed in "shelters" due to lack of homes. If someone buys an animal from a breeder, it is one less home for another animal to be adopted.

2. It treats animals as commodities to be bought and sold as any other object. Regardless of what our speciesist legal system says - animals are living beings, not property.

Posted by: Brandon Becker | February 14, 2008 05:21 PM

First off, I am pound/shelter dog person. I prefer the mutts I find in the pounds or shelters to purebreads. They just seem happier to be alive and running about to me. I tell everyone I know that is looking for a dog to go to a shelter or pound and save one of them. My dogs so far? Lab huskey mix, britney/springer spaniel mix, Dalmation(from the pound, set to be euthanized), yellow lab(saved from abusive owner), german shepard/chow mix, lab/chow mix. We have a Dobie/shepard mix that we got at 6 months that still acts like a puppy to this day 6.5 years later.

That being said, not all breeders are evil. I used to work at a kennel owned by 3 ladies who also bred and showed dogs. They didnt breed them often but when they did, the ones that were not "show quality" were were quickly determined and fixed to prevent un-necessary breeding.

I am not saying all breeders are wonderful, I am just pointing out that not all are evil incarnate like you guys are making them out to be.

Posted by: Michele | February 14, 2008 06:10 PM

HELLO PEOPLE, the Problem is not BREEDERS, the problem is IRRESPONSIBLE PEOPLE, PEOPLE are the reason dogs are dying in shelters, PEOPLE are the reason there are dogs IN shelters. Responsible people, make sure that their dogs have homes for their entire life. Responsible people spay and neuter dogs that are not suitable to be bred due to numerous problems, or the fact that they do not have the ability to be RESPONSIBLE for any puppies they produce.
RESPONSIBLE people do not let their dogs, or any dogs they have produced go to a shelter.

IRRESPONSIBLE people do not get their dogs spayed and neutered, irresponsible PEOPLE do not take responsibility for their actions that may lead to unwanted pets. Irresponsible PEOPLE are the reason there are dogs in shelters!!!

WE are all at fault here. EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US! IF you are NOT responsible for your own pets, then you are just as much to blame as everyone else. YOU can not single out any single group, or association. There are people in either that are responsible or irresponsible. Stop blaming breeders.... why don't you stop the problem at the start!! Blame the PEOPLE WHO ARE IRRESPONSIBLE OWNERS!

Posted by: Beth | February 14, 2008 06:40 PM

Is there anything PETA won't protest? Get a job and a life people! Feed starving children instead of worrying about stray dogs!

Posted by: Dee | February 14, 2008 06:46 PM

I like to make 2 comments if I may.
First when I read the news about how the cow was slaughtered for kosher,I was thinking is this a news even?.
I was in Pakistan for 8 years this is how they slaughter millions of animals everyday.
Second, about the abuse of dog?I am not a vegeterain but I love my dog, cat and bird.I can't see someone abusing animal.After 15 years my dog died and my wife brought a dog from Human Society and the dog was so abused that around her neck there was badly infected wound allover. we treated and now she is fine. I am asking why would some one do like that?.
Well this my story /comment.
Thank you

Posted by: Dilli Thapa | February 14, 2008 08:18 PM

Thank you PETA for being so brave & dedicated and for sticking up for shelter dogs!

Posted by: Patricia Giurleo | February 15, 2008 06:36 AM

Wow. A friend of mine had linked this while defending it on a facebook note. I looked around some of the rest of the site. What a STUNNED group of people...like really, are you serioulsy that ignorant and unaware of what actually is going on?

Posted by: Anonymous | February 15, 2008 07:36 AM

Their is a site called ZooToo and it is a great place to open peoples eyes to issues that many are unaware of.

www.zootoo.com

Basically, you write reviews on pet products, pet stores (!), BREEDERS and all things pet related. (they call them pets, not companion animals).

Sign up, make yourself an account and go to it!

It's a great forum - all these so called "animal lovers" are breeding, buying animals, buying pet supplies that kill and it's fair to say that many of them have no idea what they are doing.

Even the rescue people have areas where they lack knowledge and you can help.

Have fun!!

Posted by: Greatdog | February 15, 2008 04:55 PM

Lloyd Levine, an assemblyman in California, is an example of a good man trying to do the right thing to stop this holocaust. He introduced a spay-neuter bill in California (which excluded show, breeder and animal trainers) but required all California households to spay-neuter their household pets. He is up against people of the all-to-prevalent standard evil in today's society of immoral, selfish, profit-mongering, backward breeders gorging financially on the death they create by stuffing the kill pounds every year for profit either with their own dogs or taking away homes for others. PetPAC, headed by Bill Hemby - where dogs are a commodity - and made up of "animal lovers" is spinning lies and saying it IS aimed at showers and breeders and Levine wants to eradicate pets! They are backed in their "crusade now" by such as the likes of Dog and Cat Fanciers Associations. Mr. Levine offers the ONLY solution to this daily horror. 454,000 dogs and cats are killed every year in California alone. PLEASE advocate for Mr. Levine and send PetPAC to its own grave!

Posted by: Hell Can't Wait; It is here every day | March 25, 2008 10:50 AM

There IS a big problem out there but lambasting ALL breeders is only giving them ammo and not educating one bit!
Stopping all AKC dog breeders will not have any effect at all on the shelter dogs. If there is a market, people will buy.
We must have some way to determine the good, responsible breeders from the money motivated puppy factories.
This HATE mail only alienates folks away from PETA and all the good they are trying to achieve.
Make love not war. Know your enemy. Know who your friends are. I believe there are many many responsible dog breeders, members of PETA, who could be offended.
We need everyone on board.

Posted by: Mmmary | December 1, 2008 12:12 PM

FACT: Responsible purebred dog breeders/exhibitors who are affiliated with the AKC and their local/regional dog clubs do NOT breed dogs to produce PETS. They breed for the purpose of maintaining the soundness of mind, health, and structure of the purebred dog, PERIOD. They are not bred simply for "looks" as is the claim of P"E"TA. The reason you do not see shelters full of purebred dogs is because of this humane, ethical, and responsible standard maintained by the purebred dog fancy. The conformation and various other events sponsored by the AKC are activities that promote and foster close bonding relationships between people and their beloved dogs, who wouldn't be willing or able to participate in these events if they weren't enjoying it. A dog cannot be successfully shown, particularly at an event as elite as the Westminster Kennel Club, if they do not want to be there. These are not abused dogs, they are beloved family members, and a dog show is a big, fun, dog party for them. Dog shelters are full of mixed breed dogs that have been created out of ignorance and cruelty by people who are irresponsible. That should be where P"E"TA focuses its energy, not in bringing down the efforts of those who are being loving, responsible and ETHICAL.

Posted by: FACT for P"E"TA | January 12, 2009 05:06 PM

Quote: "What I have not heard mentioned is the lives these "Perfect" dogs lead. From what I understand, Uno has 4 different owners! Is this some kind of doggy commune, where the love is flowing, or is Uno seen as an investment, or a fancy car? I have seen documentaries where these show animals are kept separate from families, in crates (and to be fair, animals that were family and show pets too). It starts at events like this Westminister dog show, where an animal is rewarded for what it looks like, what it represents, and it works it way down into society, with pets kept locked up, on chains, in backyards, isolated."

Uno is co-owned by more than one person, which is a common practice and is an on-paper formality only that is too complicated to get into in this forum. Do some research on the matter, or ask a breeder why this is done and they will gladly explain it to you, but in response, no, it has nothing to do with "custody" or communal living arrangements. As for the "perfect" dog, that is not the purpose either. Breeding purebred dogs is not about acheiving the perfect look, it is about acheiving form, function, health, and temperament which is dictated by the breed standard. Responsible dog breeders/exhibitors do extensive health testing and pedigree research to ensure the optimal health and temperament standards for their breed. They do not randomly produce litter after litter for profit or to create "pets." Every litter is carefully planned and has a specific purpose, not the "free love" practice of the puppy mill or backyard breeder looking for profits from pet stores and internet ads. With all of the health testing and costs associated with raising a sound and healthy litter, and then exhibiting and supporting those dogs, very little profit is actually made by a breeder who is truly inerested in the health and welfare of their breed. Furthermore, a dog who does not want to participate in a show or event, isn't going to be successful. Uno is a very healthy and happy beagle, the product of a loving and responsible family, just like every other dog you will see in the ring at Westminster, or on the agility course, or any other AKC sponsored event. No dog that has been tied up in a backyard is going to be willing or able to show. A show dog must be socialized and happy.

AKC does not fund dog shows. They are put on by the parent local/regional/national all-breed or specialty clubs. AKC simply endorses the event and sets the rules/regulations for the clubs to follow. Of course PETA isn't going to tell you that, because they want to get you all riled up to donate money to THEIR cause.

If they want to target a group, why don't they go after the USHS (United States Humane Society) who doesn't provide ANY funding whatsoever, from the billions of dollars it has, to animal shelters, but receives those BILLIONS from people who have donated under the mistaken assumption the USHS provides care for shelter animals. Why doesn't PETA expose them, and put the pressure on to start providing shelters with much-needed funding?

Posted by: Response | January 12, 2009 05:39 PM

Breeders don't kill the shelter dog...the everyday person does by letting their dog run loose and get pregnant by another dog running loose. Owners of these dogs should be made to take responsibility for the litter, NOT dump it onto the doorsteps of the shelters.
Breeders are not the problem the GENERAL PUBLIC is,..where do you think the shelter dogs come from..the everyday "John Joe". You are going after the wrong people.

Posted by: the shelter dog | February 5, 2009 11:35 AM

I am very much against pet shops, against backyard breeders, and against people making money from breeding dogs.

I'm also not a fan of certain breeds of dogs that have been created by humans and bred to look cute regardless of health problems, etc.

However, there are some breeds of dogs that weren't create by humans. Australian Dingos, African Basenjis, Japanese Akitas - these are all original breeds. Not created by breeding by humans, but pure animals who have been around for thousands of years.

I am offended that PETA would be against the wonderful people who ensure these original breeds survive. This is not 'dog racism', this is wanting these unique animals to avoid extinction.

The PETA idea that all breeders are bad is wrong.

The PETA idea that wanting certain pure breeds to remain pure is 'racism' is also wrong.

Wanting original breeds of dogs to survive is no different from wanting any other threatened species of animal to survive.

We should unite as animal lovers, dog lovers, against commercial breeders, backyard breeders, puppy farmers, and those who breed dogs to be pleasing to humans regardless of health.

We should NOT be lumping non-commercial ethical breeders of original breeds in with the latter.

Posted by: Akita Lover | February 6, 2009 04:06 AM

Considering there are MILLIONS of homeless cats and THOUSANDS of homeless dogs all across Florida, I'm doing everything I can to get HB541 passed. I don't like the title "mandatory sterlilzation" because all this is is no different than a fishing license (renaming it would make it sound less harsh but is the same thing). This bill if passed into law will promote pet ownership responsibility, but there are very very serious COMMUNITY HEALTH issues when it comes to strays
___________________

HOMELESS CATS/DOGS ARE EPIDEMIC-AND OF VERY SERIOUS PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNS-PLEASE READ FOR OUR SAFETY!!

Re: BREEDING ANY CAT/DOG SHOULD REQUIRE A LICENSE DUE TO EPIDEMIC OF HOMELESS ANIMALS-environmental AND Health hazards very serious-AND IS VERY DESTRUCTIVE FOR OUR ECONOMY IN ALL LEVELS!!!!

IF WE ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A FISHING LICENSE, I do not understand why Florida allows people to breed animals-any kind of dog and cat-which are animals-without a license. That is why we have laws-to protect the people. Please, please-read this-you really need to understand the public health risks and horrendous expenses of uncontrolled breeding!!! THE HOMELESS ANIMAL POPULATION IS QUITE DRASTIC AND EPIDEMIC IN FLORIDA. Why DO we have laws? To protect society. For safety. Well, this is a very very very serious safety issue!

+++VERY SERIOUS COMMUNITY HEALTH RISKS!+++
~~Though we never had bird flu before, we certainly are not immune from it.~~
(1) Bird flu comes from migratory birds.
(2) CATS CAN CATCH AND SPREAD BIRD FLU TO OTHER CATS-other mammals too, even humans
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/09/0902_040902_birdflu.html
A bird flu virus killed 26 people in Asia and led to the vast slaughter of poultry several months ago. Now a new study says the flu can also infect cats, and that cats can spread the flu to other cats. The finding raises the possibility that they may eventually spread the flu to other mammals, including humans. The new research suggests that domestic cats are at risk of disease or death from the avian virus. The cats can also play a role in the transmission of the virus, scientists say. "That cats could so easily be infected and could transmit the infection to other cats means that in areas where poultry are infected with H5N1 virus, cats could act as vectors," said Thijs Kuiken, a veterinary pathologist in the department of virology at the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, Holland. "Cats could transmit the virus from one poultry farm to another, or could transmit the virus to people," said Kuiken, an author of the study described in tomorrow's issue of the journal Science.

(3) WHAT DO CATS EAT? You got it-birds, and SICK BIRDS (from bird flu, other virus, or other parasites) make EASY PRAY! = SICK CATS!!

(4) HOW MANY HOMELESS CATS IN FLORIDA??? -- MILLIONS. Homeless cats are EVERYWHERE. Dumpsters. Schools. Parking lots. Stores. You name it--literally everywhere. And people just keep on letting them breed and they keep on coming..oh, well, there's no need for a license so they do it. Simply because they can.

There are cases people are calling 911 because homeless dogs form PACKS. They attack people. Children. Law enforcement handling such situations, can be extremely dangerous for the officers.

COSTS: --The seriousness of escalating costs of dog pounds, costing multiple millions of dollars PER COUNTY EVERY SINGLE YEAR, that county funds also pay for schools and law enforcement-which the STATE must contribute to education and law enforcement is facing cut backs--meanwhile DOG POUNDS COST MORE EVERY YEAR (millions per county, every year!) I have written enquiries to every single County in the State of Florida, and I can tell you on the average, it costs each county over a million dollars a year to man a dog pound. I can provide you the data I have (not all counties responded, or even refused to respond)-but many have. Here are some examples: Miami-Dade spent ~~TEN MILLION DOLLARS~~ in 2007, 33,000 animals killed; In Polk County, FL $2.4 MILLION was operating costs for 2007-25,331 dogs/cats impounded, 18,662 were put to death. Lake County, FL (2007): $1.75 million in operating costs, and 10,442 animals were killed. Escambia County, FL (2007): $1,384,840.00 cost-16,176 dogs/cats impounded, 11,725 killed. 2007, Hillsborough County: $8,353,604.00 cost. 33,263 impounded-26,727 KILLED. Animal services in Pinellas County, FL cost: $5,439,310.00 (2007): 19,209 dogs/cats impounded.; 11,228 killed. Jacsonville, FL alone killed 24,000 dogs/cats last year, costing millions of dollars. Those figures are when the economy was in much better shape. Well, homeless animals have tripled if not quadrupled since 2007. Therefore, the cost of dog pounds have increased accordingly!!!

HB451-COMMON SENSE APPROACH TO HOMELESS ANIMAL POPULATION EXPLOSION EPIDEMIC IN FLORIDA-

SUPPORT HB451-PLEASE CO-SPONSOR MANDATORY SPAY/NEUTERING OF CATS/DOGS– If we are required to have a fishing license, then why not for letting one’s cat or dog breed-it will promote RESPONSIBILITY! We *truly* have a VERY SERIOUS distressing PROBLEM in Florida-a horrible epidemic of homeless cats and dogs; ferals and strays!. This legislation, HB451, would make Florida a safer place for all people and save animals' lives. According to one Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study, male dogs who are not neutered are almost three times more likely to attack a human being than sterilized male dogs are. And HB 451 recognizes that "in addition to reducing pet overpopulation, spaying and neutering have other positive effects, including decreased aggression and temperament problems; reduced risk of cancer; [and] decreased drive to roam in search of a mate or fight with other animals..."

Per the CDC Florida had 26 cats of known RABIES in 2006 ALONE. Rabies is really a very serious health hazard-strays and ferals eat whatever they can find including sick animals (rabid wildlife loses their fear of predators).
http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/epidemiology.html

Please understand, homeless animals (mostly cats) IS a serious Public Health *and* environmental issue.

Thank you for your time and reading

Posted by: Luke Swanhart | February 7, 2009 08:46 AM

WTG! Peta! so proud of ya!

Posted by: Ted | February 9, 2009 09:16 AM

so what happens to breeds? do they become extinct?
I only have rescue mutts but there are responsible people protecting the breeds. I think licensing needs to be strict for breeder but I think they serve to protect the breeds. Id hate to see them all disappear

Posted by: babs | February 11, 2009 11:01 AM