I was reading some of the postings on regulation of breeders. As a dog breeder ( go ahead and trash me) I breed because I cannot obtain my breed with an acceptable temperment to live with. Yes I do all the "right things" that were spit upon but as a veterinarian I know that regulation won't solve the problems. There will always be those that do for the wrong reason. They slip under the wire now and they will slip under the wire with even more legislation. Yes it MIGHT improve conditions but it will not improve genetic health, temperment, etc. which is alot of the problem. Legislation can only go so far without stepping on civil rights. I would hate to have to drastically increase the cost of puppies to cover more requirements when I am one of the ones that comply. I hope I serve my purchasers well by providing a dog they can actually live with. Yes there's lots of pets in the world already but many people wish to purchase purebred dogs as they are more predictable in characteristics. Some need certain limits in coat care, some need certain temperment characteristics, etc. Just as each person has their own wants for their housing, cars, hairstyle, mate, etc, many wish to share their lives and home with a certain type of pet. There is a reason only 1 out of 10 dogs are still in their original homes by one year of age. People didn't get what they were expecting or needed. That's the reality of the situation. That is also the reason most service dogs are purebred - predictability. I'm not here to say whether it is right or not it's just the way the public is. Education is the key. How to select and where to go. People need to have information shoved right in front of their faces. Organizations can pressure poor breeders, educate the public to help their species. Sometimes educating the bad breeders helps as does encouraging buyers to file complaints when warrented. I do this routinely providing clients with a contact number for the dept. of Ag. I can assure you that in 26 years I know that penalizing those that try hard will not correct the underhanded seedy breeders. I know this is a ferret coloumn and I'm sorry to post a somewhat dog related column but wanted to add my 2 cents. Go ferrets go! [Posted in FML 5546]