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 Guest Column
PETA PERSUASION - UNDERSTANDING PET
MARKETING
What are the pros and cons of shelter dogs vs buying from a breeder?
True disclosure for example, is knowing that PETA (People’s Ethical
Treatment for Animals), was taken to court for killing cats and dogs and
throwing them in dumpsters.
One must also consider why dogs are in a shelter. Owners pass away. Older
citizens can no longer care for a beloved pet. Young families relocate to an
area that will not accept dogs. Owners with aggressive dogs shun litigation
issues by turning dogs in to the shelter. The sad truth is, shelter dogs
often come with the baggage of mistreatment, health issues, and unacceptable
temperament problems.
 Most (but not all) shelter caretakers are experts at identifying such and
try to select compatible families. They attempt to read each animal’s past
to determine its ability to adjust into a future home. Some dogs require
adult supervision. Others have the potential of becoming a child’s best
friend. Emotional involvement often accompanies these decisions.
Lack of disclosure places many adoptive parents in unforeseen
situations beyond their control. The gag of political correctness often
demands an emotional price far beyond a person’s ability to cope. Negative
experiences may affect a life permanently, in a puppy or child.
Our family has enjoyed Belties, Catahoula Curs, Australian Shepherd Crosses,
Dachshund crosses, and a variety of “dump off” Heinz 57 variety shelter
breeds. This article is not about any particular breed, but about ALL
dogs and their right to a loving home.
PETA’s TV ads show a family thrilled with their new AKC puppy. Joy
turns to shock when the ad states, “When you buy from a breeder, a
shelter dog dies!” How soon will society translate this into specifying
citizens must adopt children, either from other countries or those born to
irresponsible parents, in order to discourage the procreation of their own
family genetics?
Canine selection is not dissocial. It is our right to choose a breed of
choice. It is not “mean-spirited” and should not cause underlying guilt. Why
does PETA criticize responsible breeders/owners and choose to ignore filthy
puppy mills? Those dogs (or cats) are bred every heat, females whelp puppies
in stacked cages contaminated by feces and urine. Tiny feet never run, play,
or touch the ground. Euthanasia threatens non-productive animals. Yet PETA
ignores puppy mills as well as “Pet auctions.”
Responsible breeders socialize, temperament test, sell, adopt, or place their puppies
into loving homes, and require spay-neuter contracts. AKC breeders have
breed specific rescue clubs and work with humane societies. Responsible
owners keep their dogs in clean, safe enclosures.
Some shelters and pet shops offer private rooms for viewing. There is
rehearsed persuasion and questionable “registration papers” are a Pet Shop’s
forte’. This is very persuasive pet marketing but we should also consider
the facts below.
#1. Concerned breeders and AKC insist on DNA of all stud dogs after a
specific number of litters. There are guidelines for breeding ages. Many
breeders require hip certification, OFA (eye) certification, and Baer
hearing tests, VWD testing, and keep records accordingly. They donate huge
sums of money to research
.
#2. Breeders demand AKC “Limited Registration” available to curtail
indiscriminate breeding. AKC introduces classes for neutered and spayed
pets.
#3. Breeders often refund part of the puppy purchase price upon vet
statement re neutering.
#4. Breeders offer lifetime support on all issues.
Puppy mills, feeling pressure from AKC, shun responsibility by
introducing their OWN breed registry. Designer Dogs now have crossbreed
registry. “ANYONE” may start a dog registry and sell “registered” puppies.
“What does this imply?”
Puppy mills sell dogs under the guise of “ADOPT A PET”. Your purchase plays
right into their plan as when you buy, they breed more. Many “state of the
art” puppy mills lack human contact. Puppies, like children, need proper
care at the right time, or bonding issues follow the rest of their lives.
The American Kennel Club, est. 1884, promotes the care and integrity of
purebred dogs. The United Kennel Club, a long recognized valid registry,
offers further choices to people regarding a dog fitting their lifestyle.
Most dogs not registered by AKC fall under the USDA jurisdiction as
livestock only. Research this. Why do newer registries choose to circumvent
the AKC inspection process? Unknown to many, unannounced AKC inspectors
visit AKC breeder facilities at random to insure proper humane treatment.
They validate registration, pedigrees, and record keeping, as well as fine
and suspend privileges of offenders.
One cannot argue against marketing techniques but Education is the answer.
“Sins of omission” plague our lives. Often we hear only what someone WANTS
us to hear. Personal agendas conceal facts and simmering anti-dog
legislation threatens YOUR right to own ANY dog.
Donate time and money to your local Humane Society. Recapture youth! Become
a dog’s best friend.
- E. Katie Gammill, National Pet Press Columnist, AKC
Judge
Reprint Courtesy of National Pet Press Newspaper June/July 2008
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