We’ve talked about responsible breeding of companion animals on this blog a couple times in the past (see here and here for two good examples).
Today I managed to let myself get sucked into a "conversation" on the same topic with none other than a PETA employee. I started off thinking that my "we have different opinions on some things but similar on others" approach was pretty undeniable, but I ended up remembering that people with extreme opinions and closed minds don’t listen to the other side.
Along the way, she deleted a couple people’s comments without letting them state their opinions. I figured I’d give them a place to publish what they wanted to say and I’d also ask… what do you think?
omg the last person who had views that strong without considering the views of others invaded Poland in 1939!!!!! There has to be a balance, if nature wanted all dogs to look the same they would already. It is the same as saying we can’t have different color skin and culture as humans. It is of equal importance that genuine breeders have a role in preserving breeds like the shiba’s that would have been extinct by now thanks to mankind and we also should support our shelter pets. It also raises a question to PETA that if all dogs and cats are speyed how the heck does anything survive as a species. To sit completely on one side of the fence shows great skill in talking out of their ass. That’s my view, you rock Jenna
Wow. That’s pretty extreme.
I chose my two dogs specifically for their breeds because I wanted a specific set of natural behaviors and temperaments for my home. When you have multiple animals (and I have my rescued tabby kitty AND 3 English Angoras to keep in mind) you have to have a good idea of the types of animals you bring into the home and how they will interact. Both of my dogs are herding class because it increased the chances of them getting along with my other animals plus I knew the training would be easier to maintain with such intelligent and “work” inclined dogs. Happily, I was able to rescue them both – so I didn’t pay a breeder for them the way a normal purchase might have been made.
Honestly, dog breeding isn’t that profitable. A good breeder has to have a genuine love for the breed since the cost of all of the health checks and scans, etc. to ensure the dogs are sound and in good health offsets most profit. True, some can be successful and make a high profit but not many. Most breed because they love the breed, not because it makes them financially rich.
I’m with you, Jenna, I agree with some points but definitely do not agree with the extremity.
I did post on the PETA person’s blog, to which she didn’t comment. Basically I asked her whether she and her group had thought about the extinction of the breeds of Dog and said it was not unlike Hitler’s view. I also went on to say that the responsible breeder does NOT contribute to the pet overpopulation for the simple fact that they do take back all of their own dogs if the human part of the equation fails… Like many groups, I think people who belong to them get kind of brainwashed into believing it’s the only way to look at things. I see it all the time with religions, and it trickles down to veterinarians believing in Science Diet! As has been stated over and over again.. it’s all about EDUCATION… and the more varied, worldly and intelligent the sources for research, the better!! Sigh.
I agree with PETA’s position. Purebred dogs are and always have been vanity items. I think it’s funny when breed enthuiasts promote animal rights–recognizing animals as more than just ‘property’–when they in fact chose their custom-made dogs the same way they would order custom-designed furniture.
While I do see some points to the notion of breed favoritism – I see that we, as a society – express likes and dislikes on a variety of levels from inanimate objects to people we choose to date. We can’t deny that we judge others, judge ourselves, and judge animals.
As for choosing a type of dog, a responsible person – no matter what side – has looked into the common traits, the health, and personality as well as the aesthetics of the critter they are acquiring, raising, breeding. Irresponsible people are those who breed for $ only, have dogs with issues (psych or physical) and risk their dogs’ health or disposition.
Anyway – as for PETA – any group that has the audacity to threaten children, advocate violence against people, and fund ALF, ELF, etc- AND (this is the grossest) – be ok with having sexual relations with your pet (check out Peter Singer) is a group that is viewed as dangerous, harmful to society, and hypocritical. Any animals they have worked on saving from labs are euthanized anyway, unless of course you’ve seen some monkeys walking around the city and making a living… It’s better to not get tangled with any PETA people. It just raises blood pressure.
I don’t understand how she does not see that purebred dogs are about more than just looks – breeds have specific character traits (some of which I prefer to others). I own dogs (one purebred and one mixed breed) that best encompass the traits I prefer in my canine companions. Breeders breed for temperment as much as for looks.