In this hypothetical place, you cannot easily own an intact animal. In order to qualify, you must show your dog in competition, belong to a breed club with an enforced code of ethics, and pay a hefty fee. Breeding is out of the question because government requires you to qualify for an expensive breeding permit before you can ever consider the possibility. Any pet that is "adopted" through a shelter or rescue MUST be sterilized BY LAW. There are limits on how many pets you can own. All the while, you hear grumblings on the street that there aren't enough homes to absorb the strays. Well, that last part about not enough homes for the strays is a lie, but you have heard so many lies told so often, that you now just accept those lies at face value and believe them as truth.
Now imagine that you don't care too much about any of that, because you don't have any plans to be a dog breeder. You are happy to own an occasional pet or two. None of those problems affect you, right?
Let's see about that.
Believe it or not, our hypothetical state actually exists. It's called CALIFORNIA.
So, one fine sunny California day, you decide that you would like to get a puppy of a certain breed that you have long admired.
You pick up the Los Angeles Times and pull out the classified ads. You quickly scan to the "Pets for sale" section. Notice anything strange? Where there used to be dozens of ads for puppies and kittens on a daily basis, now you are lucky to find a handful. And darn it all, there is NOT ONE AD for the breed you want.
You go to your local pet store. They do not sell pets, they inform you, only pet supplies. Maybe on the weekend you can come back when they have an "adopt-a-thon"?
So now, you are looking online, researching about the breed of puppy you would like to buy. You come across a website that urges you to contact a local breed club for breeder referrals.
You find the local club for the breed you are interested in, and contact them. But no one has any puppies available. In fact, few members are even planning to have any litters in the near future. Even fewer are interested in talking to you, a complete stranger, who could very well be a government agent looking for people breeding dogs "under the radar".
You decide to look a bit farther from home, maybe in Nevada or Arizona or Oregon. Now you are being told, it may be possible to buy a puppy but none of those breeders will ship due to new federal regulations. Can you afford to take time off from work to drive out of state? Can you afford to buy a round trip plane ticket for yourself, and then an extra fare for the puppy?
So there are no puppies available locally in either pet stores or from local breeders. Going outside the local area is too difficult and expensive. Just where will you find a puppy? Rescues and shelters may have a dog that looks similar to the breed you are interested in, but you have no way to know the health history of the dog and its relatives. That makes you feel uneasy. They don't have any puppies, only adults. You really want the joy of raising a puppy of your own. Also, when buying a shelter or rescue pet, there are no money-back guarantees, like the state requires when you buy from a breeder or a pet store.
Sure, you have adopted shelter animals in the past, and they can be wonderful, but you really want a puppy of this particular breed THIS TIME. Why can't you find one? And while researching online, you have read the latest canine health studies that have given you pause about spay/neuter, particularly at a young age. If you are lucky enough to find a puppy or dog of the breed you want through a shelter or rescue, why are you being forced to sterilize your dog, when you don't want to?
So now, you are starting to get pretty pissed off. You can actually feel your knickers twisting, and it is quite uncomfortable. What right does the government have to limit your choice of pet and what you do with it? Why all the insane rules?
Maybe you give up, throw up your hands in frustration, and settle for a pet rock. Or maybe, just maybe, you mobilize your family and friends and insist that your politicians answer to you for the anti-pet laws they are passing on a regular basis.
Once you have hit rock bottom, please don't settle for a pet rock. Speak up! Elections DO have consequences, and we are now paying the price for electing current AR-friendly politicians at the state and federal level.
Here's a novel concept. How about we vote for those politicians who uphold the constitution and preserve the rights of the individual? And make sure to let them know WHY you are voting either for or against them.
Two thirds of US households own pets. Once politicians realize that we are a voting force to be reckoned with, they will not be so eager to pass such oppressive laws.
May you find the puppy of your dreams, but at this point, I'm not real optimistic about that possibility.
Well, that's the whole point. PETA et al want to eliminate "slave" animals, what to the rest of us are beloved pets. And they are winning. Their public relations arm is strong enough that they managed to keep out of the mainstream press the story that their employees were convicted of obtaining shelter animals in North Carolina, euthanizing them in the van they were supposed to be taking the animals to a "no-kill" shelter, and disposing of the bodies in dumpsters at malls and shopping centers. Convicted. It's a public fact and I'll bet NONE of you read about on a national news site. I read about it in a U.K. newspaper's website.
ReplyDeleteI always say, if you want to know what's going on in America, your only bet for the straight scoop is the BBC. Sad.
DeleteI've always said, if you want to know what's going on in the US, you have to go to the BBC. Sad, really
Deleteyes la times has only 10 pets for sale under dogs and it is "powered by gadzoo" what ever that is you have nailed it this is the scenario UNTIL WE CHANGE IT
ReplyDeleteYou have some very valid points, but let's remember that pet stores more often than not, sell PUPPY MILL puppies. That is the reason for that! Don't throw that comment in there like it's a bad thing. Also, it is good that breeders must have a return policy!
ReplyDeleteOh for heaven's sake, and you even capitalized it for emphasis. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A PUPPY MILL. There are pepper mills, there are grain mills and there are paper mills, but puppies are not MILLED. Get a clue. And yes, it is good that breeders have a return policy, (so do pet stores) so why don't rescues and shelters have a return policy? Just TRY to get your money back from one of them.
DeleteSemantics Starbreeze, if arguing over what irresponsible pet breeders are called, you already lost that argument.
DeleteBut if this helps, I personally knew of these irresponsible breeders, had to deal with the mess caused by a few and do know that pet shops, at the very least in the past, have taken on puppies and kittens from questionable sources.
I also worked with a shelter, though many years ago, and though they might not have a "return policy", a term I hate because it makes puppy adoption sound like jeans shopping, the people were interviewed and given an introductory option, not to mention that it is highly stressed that taking one on is a big responsibility. Adopting a puppy and then returning it a month later because it chewed your shoes (yes, this does happen) is not good for the puppy, they already been through so much by that point already, though the shelters would rather you bring it in than abuse or neglect it.
Our rescue has the adopter sign a form that ensures if their chosen adoptee is not a good fit they WILL return it only to us so we can rehome,
DeleteAnd yes the adoption fee is refunded. Get your facts straight, Puppy mills do exist and if you have ever pulled dogs from there you would be sickened by the conditions. I do not support the govt running our lives and am truly against PETA. Breed clubs serve their purpose as do reptutable breeders. I cna't tell you have many puppies and or adults we have had in our rescue with "papers" most of these have come from backyard breeders or pet stores.
I have a Rescue in Nebraska - and - YES, I do have a return policy. If at anytime an adopter is not happy with their dog, they only need to just call me and I will take my rescue dog back!
DeleteThe problem, dear anonymous, with laws against what people consider puppy mills, is that these laws also punish and limit good people who are already doing the right thing, and barely touch those who could care less about animal welfare. All the laws do, ultimately, is discourage good breeders who want to breed legally, because the restrictions are to costly and difficult. So called puppy mills will carry on as they always have, and when one gets shut down another will pop up to replace it. And there will be no reputable breeders around for people to turn to for pets.
DeleteBottom line: we should all be very very concerned (not just pet owners) when any laws are being passed that limit an individual's right to own property of any sort. It's a very slippery slope, and it leads directly to excessive government involvement in places where government should have no place at all.
Having been involved in this debate since 1999 on line I forecast this would be the end game if the PETAfiles shifted public laws from pet ownership to companion animals. In that decade I was alone in presenting my case but folks are now seeing that PETA is not abouyt love for animals as it is in restricting humanity.
ReplyDeleteIt's a very sad day when the choices of the American public are eliminated with the stroke of a pen. I can't understand why farmers aren't in arms as farm animals are included in the limitations. What can you do with a neutered Dwarf Nigerian Goat except kill it if it can't be shipped to those interested in it for a companion animal. This rule is bad for people and bad for animals
ReplyDeleteEat it. That hasn't been outlawed for livestock. Yet. Except I guess for horses. Oh, dear. Extreme right-wing nutters want the power to control everyone else in their way, and extreme left-wing nutters want the power to control everyone else in another way; God help us all if they ever get together.
DeleteSince the dawn of time farmers have been killing the vermin which tried to compromise their livestock. I don't see that changing.
ReplyDeleteIt is now illegal to shoot coyotes or PETAphiles.
Deleteif people truly want a pet, why not get a shelter animal, I have been getting my pets from no kill shelter for years. They are great. They are all fixed. I have never seen the need for a pedigree in a pet.
ReplyDeleteFIXED? No, they were never broken to begin with. But now that they are neutered, you stand a greater chance of your dog getting cancer, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and many other problems. What sort of "fixed" is that?
DeleteAlso, every animal has a pedigree. A pedigree is simply a line of descendence, a line of ancestors. It need not be written down on paper, but you still always have a pedigree.
I am a dog breeder. I love each and every pup but according to new laws in Ohio...I can only own 4 breeding dogs without a state license???
DeleteI live on a farm and my neighbors all love my pups. No complaints from them.I am confused how we have gone from a free country to communistic attitude. Just like Hitler but with dogs!!!!
You may not see the need for a pedigree, but many do. What if you are looking for a hunting dog? Own a farm and are looking for a "ratter"? Are active in search and rescue? I know if one of my children were lost in the woods I would want a Bloodhound type breed looking for them, not a teacup lap dog or a puggle. Just because you don't want a purebred dog doesn't mean thatothers don't have valid reasons for wanting one. How about people with allergies? They do much better with non-shedding breeds. Shelter animals are often (but not always) there for a reason, whether it be behavioral or a health issue. And with the early spay and neuter that many shelters are doing, you're chances are even higher of getting a dog that will likely have health issues down the road.
DeleteStarbreeze, this is another argument in semantics, you know they mean spayed or neutered (If this is important to you,"fixed" means something is prepared, put in place and even altered or limited in number). Though, I can see what you are trying to say, there may be health risks involved in spaying and neutering, though there are also health risks that come without doing this and others involved in being bred, but I won't use the "don't breed" argument because of that because it would be just as silly.
DeleteSpay and neuter is incorrect. Neuter is non gender specific, and is the word AR people used instead of castrate, so they would not lose support from men. Try saying castrate out loud in a group of men, and watch them hunch over to protect themselves.
DeleteThis incorrect usage has become so pervasive even we who know better end up saying spay/neuter
There should definately be a breeding by permit only law in our country! Also, neuter spay regulations! To many breeders of all species are moking lots of money on innocent lives.
ReplyDeleteI have not heard the real argument yet. Are the shelters filled with only puppies, that the breeder could not sell? Are the only adults in the shelter,dogs that people died or had to move out of state?? I think not. I know that there are alot of dogs that are put in shelters because of behaveioral problems. I for one like the fact that pure breds have known traits. Low shed, laid back personality ect. Take the doodles for example. St poos and sporting breeds are great. Yet we seemed to mix them together and get large breeed asriks@@. I have groomed for 30 yrs and prefer grooming and owning pure breds. I also do not believe in "fixing" a dog. Like the above person said, they are not broken. I neutered a dog, due to pressure from general public, and within 2 yrs he had cancer. When the shelters are filled with ONLY PURE BRED PUPS, and there are no owner turn ins for behavior problems (most common jumping, urination after 6 mo of age, barking, and biting, wheather in play or aggeression. ALL DOGS should be in obiedience class at NO OLDER than 10-12 weeks of age.
Delete"... breeders ... are making lots of money ..." Could you please site a source for that information? I know many breeders who don't even break even, and I've never heard of one who got rich. Breeders who do the health checks, socialize and educate, take back dogs who don't fit in their new families and re-home them, etc. etc. Many ways to spend that so-called "lots of money."
DeleteIt really is shocking how many people think they have the right to FORCE their beliefs down everyone else's throats. If YOU believe in spay/neuter....inflict that on your OWN dogs. Not mine. If YOU believe all dogs should be adopted from shelters, get all of YOUR dogs from there, but don't tell me I don't have a right to buy from a breeder. Holy cow, what ever happened to personal freedoms in this country???? Or innocent until proven guilty???? VERY sad state of affairs. I'm so sad for the condition we're leaving our country in for our children.
DeleteOMFG. Yes, flipping PUPPY MILLS!! Only an idiot would assume there are no puppy mills - horrendous, low scale, dens of overbred, so pet quality they could not meet the breed standard, underfed, unloved - I could go on and on. Shut down the puppy mills. There are standards of ownership FOR A F*ing REASON! And it is NOT about money and greed but the love of quality pups to quality homes. Greed is the standard of those backyard breeders who turn out hundreds of litters with health and temperament issues sold to unsuspecting buyers. Seriously. Get the facts.
ReplyDeleteSo, will bureaucrats be cruising the boonies of California to see if farmers and ranchers have their working dogs properly neutered? another glorious employment opportunity in the dying state. Where do I apply?
ReplyDeleteMore power to PETA!!! I would like to see day where is no sale of pets at the stores.
ReplyDeleteYou are an idiot!! Do your homework! The powers that be in PETA and HSUS are all money-making jerks that care not one whit about the animals they say they are saving! Look at the stats, they kill more animals than they save!
DeleteTo Anonymous, who thinks that there should be permits to breed animals. Frankly, it would make a lot more sense to have permits to breed humans...since that appears to be the area where the most problems arise!!! We have too many people who think that what they believe should be the law of the land. Perhaps they need to take note of things closer to home and stop reproducing. This idea that some think they know what is best for animals and humans is fascism posing as animal welfare.
DeleteAnd I wish you would put all that enthusiasm into stopping the abuse of children and women in this country. PETA is bankrolling money on the likes of you and your contributions and barely any of it goes to support your local animal shelters. This was a country founded on free choice and it should remain so. If you want no sale of pets in a pet store, don't buy there. But don't tell someone else they can't. Exercise your personal choice - don't force it down my throat. And as for breeders making tons of money - hah!!! I have yet to make money on breeding. As someone said earlier, I'm lucky to break even. Small litter size, health checks of mom and pop, health checks of puppies, the expense of raising the litter IN MY HOME, etc. Breeders are not evil people. People who turn dogs into shelters and pound may be evil people. Turn your wrath on the right people and don't take away my rights while you do it. Many of the families who have purchased (yes, purchased - not adopted) my puppies have become lifelong friends. And we all treasure our friendships - caused by a common love of a specific breed of dog.
ReplyDelete