I just wanted to thank all the persons who emailed me with regards to my
post of 19 October.  It seems there are more opinions supporting my post
on breeding than not.  I wanted to clarify my view and the reasons I do
not support breeding or find it to be "abusive".
 
Percentage wise the number of animals that are considered "show quality"
is very small to the number of animals bred (I'm including all breeders,
large scale, commercial breeders, hobby breeders, backyard breeders and
"mistakes" - people who do not spay or neuter their animals).  This means
that the "non-show quality" animals are sold as "pets".  However the
breeder still continues to produce more litters to continue a bloodline,
genetics, and all other reasons for the "perfect" animal.  But how many of
those litters are "non-show quality" again?  So now new homes need to be
found for these "pets".  In the meantime, the shelters and foster homes are
inundated with unwanted animals.  Some of these animals are a product of
breeders "non-quality" show animals.  To prove this most breeds have formed
rescue groups (and normally are affiliated with their local shelters.)
Most of these groups were formed by breeders.  Now you're continually
cycling these animals until permanent homes can be found - and this is
what I find to be abuse.  Especially because the cycle has come full
circle - it ended where it all began - with breeders.  Statistics say that
the average animal has 3 owners in its lifetime.  That's abuse.
 
Most of us (animal advocates) have more than one animal because we put
ourselves in a position to help animals in need.  In turn, there are some
animals that come to us and for whatever reason we cannot turn away.  I
personally have 5 dogs - 4 of which were rescues that were physically
abused, dropped off because "he and his mother were penning the neighbors
animals," and 2 that were found on the street.  My 5th and oldest (13
yrs) I've had since the say she turned 6 weeks old.  She will never be a
statistic.  Not one person comes thru my door and doesn't fall in love with
one or more of my animals, (I mean falls IN LOVE and would take one with
them if I'd let them - I've had people ask if something should ever happen
to me if they could have him/her.  Just goes to show you that mixed breeds
can break hearts too!) Complete strangers comment on the behavior and
temperament, and I let it be known how I acquired these animals - I tell
people "Go to the shelters...you may not find the right one on your first
visit, but don't give up.  Go back EVERYDAY because animals come in
everyday." This is my way of educating people about shelters and rescues.
3 of my 6 ferrets were bought from people who no longer could care properly
for them.  It takes an animal almost a year to REALLY adapt to a new
family.  Every time we pass these animals around it's abusive to them.
Especially ferrets.  They are very sensitive animals and like most are
creatures of habit.  When that routine changes the animal gets very
traumatized.  Some never recover.
 
I disagree with breeding because there are so many wonderful animals
already in shelters and available.  Why in good conscience would you, a
breede, want to contribute to the over population?  Why would you take
the chance of one of your kits being put thru the "system"?  Why not
concentrate on the ones out there and provide a well cared for home?  In
my opinion that is a conflict of morals and ethics.  Principles say we
don't bring "litters" of children into the world to create the perfect
child and adopt the rest, then why do we do it with animals?
 
Think about it.
 
(Read Leonard Bottlemans post of 21 October, then tell me there isn't a
conflict between shelters and breeding.)
[Posted in FML issue 3214]