[kellynla]

If people saw how many unwanted dogs and cats were killed at the "shelters" every day in America; they'd probably demand a temporary suspension of breeding!

[Fawn]

I agree....i'm against breeders...and feel that it should be a law requiring pets to be fixed....for at least 10 years until the situation is under control.....right now it's a big problem.

[GovernmentShrinker]

I demand it on a regular basis. I despise people who purchase "purebred" pets while millions are being euthanized in shelters. Frankly, I think the answer is not to prohibit breeding, but to prohibit the sale of cats and dogs. We'd quickly find out how many breeders are "responsible people who really care about the animals and the tradition of the breed" -- I'd estimate less than 1% would continue breeding, if they couldn't sell the animals at a profit.

[Goodgirlinred]

I agree. The best dogs I have ever had came from an animal shelter, except for Harm. Harm was given to me after my golden retriever/lab cross from the animal shelter died. If I did not already have two dogs and two cats, I would adopt another dog.

[Darnright]

>If people saw how many unwanted dogs and cats were killed at the "shelters" every day in America; they'd probably demand a temporary suspension of breeding!<

The animal rights wackos have already demanded such a suspension. It's sad to see their solution echoed here on a conservative forum.

A truly responsible dog breeder sells pups either already spay/neutered, or with a contract requiring the surgery. Not only that, they often have the buyer sign a contract requiring notification and return of the pet if the buyer decides not to keep the animal.

Demanding responsible breeders cease and desist breeding purebred animals ethically will not stop irresponsible people from letting their intact dogs and cats produce mixed or unplanned litters. Many dogs that end up in shelters (in normal times, not after natural disasters), end up there because of behavioral problems (the dog becomes too much trouble, and is then discarded).

How about encouraging localities to fund low-cost spay neuter clinics, and low-cost obedience classes? Our local SPCA recently hired a canine behavior specialist, who holds puppy kindergarten classes for adopted puppies and older dogs. The reduction in shelter returns is being felt already.

Remember, what we are seeing is the result of a disaster. It's not going to do a bit of good to fly off the handle and push for breeding bans that do nothing to fix the actual problem.