Oprah to investigate abuse at puppy mills REAIR May 29

I personally, have no issues with reputable breeders. Someone earlier stated (forgot who) that reputable breeders do genetic testing, don't overbreed, vaccinate, etc. - which is true. One problem is that the average person has no idea where or how to look for a reputable breeder

My issue with breeding is more along the lines of "show dogs". It seems that the breed standards that are winning at dog shows promote health issues. Breeding pugs to make their noses shorter (which causes breathing problems), breeding larger and larger GSDs with the slung back hips, breeding Poms with smaller legs, all contribute to that breeds genetic health issues.

I wish the breed standards were more about health and temperament and less about "looks" IMHO. While reputable breeders really do try to prevent health problems in their lines, I do feel that the breed standards promote the health issues that are prevalent in certain breeds. If breed standards changed in a way that were more about health (e.g. longer noses in some breeds, slightly larger toy breeds, slightly smaller giant breeds) then I would feel more comfortable with breeding in general.

BTW - there have been numerous studies about health issues in shelter/rescue dogs versus private breeder dogs - it is about the same.

I think that as far as the USDA is concerned, the primary focus is the protection of people from animal borne illnesses (e.g. mad cow, salmonella, etc). As long as the puppymills can prove that they do not have any illnesses that can be transmitted to humans, they are doing what is legally required. Remember that dogs and cats are considered livestock, so these breeding facilities only have to conform to those rules and regulations. If you have ever seen a egg farm, you would never eat eggs again - the way these chickens are housed is even more horrific than puppymills. Also, it is a business that puts money into the economy - that is all that our state and federal governments really care about.

These are just my opinions and I do not mean to offend anyone who does breed and show animals.

The show is going to be reaired tomorrow with an update about changes that viewers made happen.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Moesha

The show is going to be reaired tomorrow with an update about changes that viewers made happen.

---

Thanks for the update :) I'll be sure to TiVO it!

Just a question... Are you considered less reputable if you choose NOT to vaccinate? I just ask 'cause I believe there are a few folks on this board who do titers instead of having their puppers inoculated every year. :):confused:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Moesha

The show is going to be reaired tomorrow with an update about changes that viewers made happen.

---

Splendid! I missed it the first time around and was hoping to have another chance to see it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Wenisrubber

Just a question... Are you considered less reputable if you choose NOT to vaccinate? I just ask 'cause I believe there are a few folks on this board who do titers instead of having their puppers inoculated every year. :):confused:

---

You know, on a personal level I don't see a problem with it because at least they're being brought to the vet and being examined, etc, and they're obviously having blood work done. As a breeder though, I can see how it may be a different story. I suppose so long as it isn't like, a ten litter a year operation type of breeder, maybe one or two litters a year, something small, maybe that would still be reputable. Well... I'm not sure, I'll have to do some more thinking on it, but bottom line they're getting checked out by a vet and how can that be a bad thing?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jessika

You know, on a personal level I don't see a problem with it because at least they're being brought to the vet and being examined, etc, and they're obviously having blood work done. As a breeder though, I can see how it may be a different story. I suppose so long as it isn't like, a ten litter a year operation type of breeder, maybe one or two litters a year, something small, maybe that would still be reputable. Well... I'm not sure, I'll have to do some more thinking on it, but bottom line they're getting checked out by a vet and how can that be a bad thing?

---

I have no problem with people who do titers instead of vaccinations... I'm not really following how the 10 litters a year comes into play??... not that I think anyone should have 10 litters a year, but I'm not following how that has anything to do with titers vs. vaccinations.. maybe its because I am currently fighting off the Flu and so I'm really tired and completely exhausted...

..... I do breed, but don't even average 1 litter a year.... I have a long awaited litter due in a couple weeks...

Obviously all pups get vet exams/checked out by a vet, and all of mine have their eyes certificated by a optho between 5-7 wks... etc..etc..etc... but I do my own vaccinations on the pups...

bump...... Repeat of this show is today.

Damn, I'm going to miss it again!

According to the reports today, as stated by Oprah, the governor of PA, Rendell, has proposed legislation to regulate the commerical breeders, including the Amish folks reported in this story.

I watched the entire show today. These folks have total disregard for the dogs. It is a business.

I surely hope the people in Lancaster County PA put more pressure on the breeders. I know Ohio has had their issues with breeders too. Again, I can only assume since Ohio is Amish territory too, that the Amish are involved.

By the way, I happen to like most Amish.

It was a tear jerking show to watch. I wish more people would see it.