Here is some interesting reading.... education is working, at least in many cities. Now we have to educate the "world"? And I as a small breeder have to pay for this?
Save a Sato
Since 2001 Buddy Dog has taken part in a unique and innovative rescue effort called "Save A Sato". This program originates in Puerto Rico where the problem of satos (slang for stray and abandoned dogs) is epidemic. Thousands of homeless dogs roam the streets of Puerto Rico. They live under constant threat of sickness, starvation and exposure. They are struck by cars, tormented and even poisoned. A handful of people in Puerto Rico are giving time, money and energy to "Save A Sato", to rescue these dogs and give them a second chance in the continental United States.
After health and temperament evaluations, the dogs fly non-stop from San Juan to Boston and are transported to the shelter by a Buddy Dog staff member.
As of date, we have found loving homes for more than 1500 satos. We have received a very positive response to the program. Although some people, understandably inquire as to why we take dogs from so far away, once they learn the plight of these dogs, they agree it is the right thing to do. Buddy Dog never refuses a local dog to accommodate dogs from other areas.
Fortunately and quite remarkably, the New England area has seen a decrease in local strays and unwanted litters. This can be credited to education and a successful movement towards spaying and neutering all pets.
Satos tend to be small dogs which is a very desirable characteristic to many families looking to adopt. Upon arrival, the dogs initially are very subdued and needy however once they realize that life is good and they are no longer in jeopardy their true outgoing, fun and wonderful personalities surface. Our adoption counselors advise potential adopters to be aware of the metamorphosis these little dogs often undergo. It won't always be the hapless little creature that now cowers in their lap. Many are skeptical but it's true! Love and attention are what make the difference.
If you would like more information on the Save A Sato program, please visit www.saveasato.org. Also visit our testimonial page for letters from appreciative pets and their new families.
Code2High wrote: If you've got a reason to have an unaltered dog, then it becomes part of the cost of doing business.
From a business point of view (high volume breeders are in it to make money); the best way to minimize the expense of an intact fee is to breed as many pups (more litters and larger litters) from each intact dog within each fee period. This lowers the cost of producing each pup.
How is this a good mechanism to reduce the over population of pets?
Generally there are two types of breeders: high volume and low volume. High volume breeders are breeding to make money; low volume breeders do so for a wide range of reasons but are less likely in it for the money. Fees on intact dogs are more easily handled by high volume breeders since they have a large number of pups each year to spread this expense over. Low volume breeders may need to spread several years worth of fees over one litter of pups. Low volume breeders will either stop breeding due to the increased costs and hassle or the price of their pups will be significantly higher than the price of pups from high volume breeders.
Mark
* This post was
edited 06/24/08 06:06am by BCSnob *
"There's a desire for dogs of various breeds... just like there's a desire for rock cocaine."
A bit of a stretch to put these two together don't ya think? We have a right to own a dog of a certain breed if we choose, not everyone wants a mixed breed or pets of unknown origin. I want to know where my dog came from, I want to know the medical history behind it, the purpose of the breed, the expected maintenence and temperment.
I want to know how the puppy was raised, where it was raised. These are things people should want to know with any pet.
The only way I will know these things is to purchase a puppy from someone who keeps track of these things, and loves a particular breed as much as I do.
Many shelter dogs will make tremendous pets, many will not. Some are there for a reason, others there through no fault of their own. I applaud those who rescue, it's a good thing. But I also applaud those who do their homework and find quality breeders who are putting well bred animals out there.
Dual
Code2High wrote: ... What it does is give people who just "don't care" or "don't wanna" get their dogs fixed, a reason to do so.
Or, just maybe, it gives someone a reason not to license their dogs.
Or a reason not to go to the Vet for annual shots or health care on the fear of being turned in and it will also create a network of underground breeders which will just compound the problem.
* This post was
edited 06/24/08 04:24pm by Don Don *
There are a lot of "what I think would happens" when looking at any sort of changes. In this imperfect world, as always, we struggle along working at solutions, some will fail, some will have moderate success and then one will come along that will work the best, but still may be far from perfect for every situation. By doing nothing we will never find the solution........
Cat
(Jim just reads the forum once in a while)
Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some sort of battle.... Live simply, love wholly, give generously, care deeply, speak kindly.
OK, OK - the increased fee for intact dogs has definite flaws!! And yes, the worst offenders, (the guy who lets his unaltered dog run loose) probably doesn't bother to license the animal, either.
{Tongue in cheek here}
Let's open a hunting season on dogs. If you see Rover trotting down the street, you shoot him. Then when his stupid owner screams that you shot his dog, you get to take him down, too - since he is also a part of the problem. And if you spot Fifi and Rover doing what dogs like to do - you get bonus points for taking them BOTH out.
OF COURSE I'M KIDDING - just running out of bright ideas of how to put the rescue groups out of business.
Code2High wrote: We've had higher license fees for unaltered dogs for years. What it does is give people who just "don't care" or "don't wanna" get their dogs fixed, a reason to do so.
Excuuuuse me?
You know for a fact that 'every' person that owns an intact dog are;
'people who don't care' AND are 'people who don't wanna'?
Quote: If you've got a reason to have an unaltered dog, then it becomes part of the cost of doing business.
A person that owns an intact dog, somehow is related to the 'cost of doing business?
There was a bill introduced in Mich late last year.
It addresses more of the concerns about racing greyhounds and the attempt to stop the practice and/or protect the greyhounds from harm.
Everyone wants to see something done to protect the racing greyhounds, right?
Would you support a bill like this?
* This post was
edited 06/24/08 09:03am by rockhillmanor *
31 ft Four Winds
Chevy Tracker 4x4 BlueOx Aventa LX We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned,
so as to have the life that is waiting for us.
Proclaimed reputable breeders who are "in it for the betterment of the breed" and rarely make money--how many of them are really that way. How can we know for sure that they aren't cruel to the dogs they breed? Neglect and lack of human bonding can be as bad as poor nutrition. Do they keep their dogs in crates much of the time? How can they do this financially? Are they people with plenty of money and time to offer this wonderful service. How many of them are out there and what are the prices for their dogs?
I've had some experience with "backyard" breeders, puppy mills (my definition), proclaimed reputable breeders, and real reputable breeders. In my opinion, the problem is not limited to puppy mills. I've know a few high class breeders that I would not recommend to anyone. One person had a reputation in the industry as one of the premier breeders--was on several boards in leadership roles, was (apparently) well regarded as producing quality dogs. A couple of her dogs made it to Westminster. Well, I happen to know her better than most and I saw the sad conditions where she kept her "breeding" stock. It was heartbreaking for me: dogs in crates stacked 4 high--she had about 25 dogs at the time. And yet, she was considered a good one. I don't understand that. I got my first toy breed (purebred) Maltese from a backyard breeder. These people had the both mom and dad dog and also two other Maltese cousins. Puppies were healthy, well adjusted and well loved. Price was very reasonable and my sweet dog has been my love for 8 years now. I just went through another interesting experience with three VERY reputable breeders in helping my son and daughter in law look for a particular breed. I can say for certain that two the these three breeders were not the type of people I would want to care for my dogs--to me it looked like strictly business mixed with some big egos. And yet again, they were considered outstanding in the world of breeders.
So, my opinion is that even some reputable breeders may not be so good and some backyard breeders may be just great. Puppy mills????? I don't know where the line is drawn on too many dogs and inadequate or worse care of the dogs??? I do know for sure there are some out there that should be arrested and put out of business. Maybe local "neighborhood pressure" would help. If people who really care ban together in the areas where there are these bad puppymills and sort of take matters into their own hands about reporting the abuse and staying on top of it. Some good, old-fashioned picketing and getting in the local news might just make a difference.
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