Shelters vs. Breeders – Divisive Tactics Threaten the Animal Community

With animal shelter populations on the rise and corresponding euthanasia rates at outrageously high levels, the animal community has reacted with a strong sense of urgency to promote animal adoptions over the purchasing of animals from pet stores and breeders. While most have done this in a responsible manner by educating the public about shelter dogs, working to find the right match between dog and family, and creating a sense of pride in having an "American Shelter Dog", I have been disappointed to see a few organizations take the more aggressive and less effective approach of condemning all breeders and the dog parents who purchase from them. These few, yet influential, organizations have managed to place responsible and caring dog breeders (and the people who buy from them) in the same category as inhumane breeders and puppy mills. This assertion is irresponsible, inaccurate, and entirely ineffective.

While I completely support and encourage the adoption of dogs and other animals from shelters, and have vowed that my family's next dog (and likely every dog thereafter) will be a rescue dog, I also fully support responsible dog breeders and the caring pet parents who buy from them. Responsible dog breeders play an important role in maintaining the lineage of pure bred dogs. Many of them are extremely knowledgeable about the history of the dogs, their specific medical and social needs, and their personalities. Often times, these breeders play an instrumental role in educating dog trainers, other dog professionals, and the public about what the breed needs, how it behaves, and what living situation it best adapts to. Understanding a breed can be an important part of relating to a dog and finding the appropriate family, lifestyle, and training to fit them, in order to maintain a happy, healthy, and well-balanced dog (a la Cesar Millan).

Responsible dog breeders should be welcomed members of the animal community. Lumping them in with puppy mills and other breeders who keep their animals in unsanitary, confined, and otherwise inhumane conditions is not only inappropriate, it is also poor strategy that serves to ostracize the majority of the dog advocate community. According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) 2007-2008 National Pet Owners Survey, only 10% of owned dogs in America are adopted from shelters. While this is a terrific argument for increasing dog adoptions from shelters, it is also a reminder that 90% of dogs with homes belong to parents who bought them from a breeder. Thus, any strategy that is based on condemning all breeders and those pet parents who buy from them is at the very least unsound, and at most, a strategy to lose the parents of 90% of America's owned dogs as allies in the fight for animal welfare.

I have been truly inspired in recent years by the remarkable collaboration of shelters, sanctuaries, organizations, individuals, and adoptive families to aid in the rescue of dogs and other animals from the atrocities of animal cruelty and neglect. Multi-state busts of dog fighting rings and puppy mill operations, and the publicity they have gained, is impressive and a sign that this is a pivotal time in the fight for animal welfare. Although it is just the beginning, we have been able to make an unprecedented impact in the lives of animals, and we must stand unified in this effort. As a community, we must remain focused on our goals rather than distract ourselves with divisive tactics that fail to target the real issues. We must remember that the animal welfare and animal rights movements are founded on one basic principal – the love and protection of animals. Regardless of whether the animal in your life was purchased from a breeder or adopted from a shelter, it is the love and responsibility for that animal that is the foundation of our community and should be supported without question, disparity, or judgment. These are the values upon which K9 PAC was founded; we welcome all dog and animal advocates and strive to unite our community into one, significant, and unwavering voice that will be a powerful influence in the political system.