PAWS TO PONDER – The Warwick Valley Dispatch

by Suzyn Barron, President of Warwick Valley Humane Society

Did you know, for some dog breeding is a passion to protect the unique characteristics and the healthy genetic history of the breed. There are many aspects involved in qualifying as a “reputable” breeder, but mostly it is a commitment to the health of the breed, prioritizing care for that specific breed over profit. The American Kennel Club (AKC) is just that. A club. There is no oversight unless perhaps complaints are made. For instance, in 2019 a couple was arrested and charged with animal neglect for the lack of veterinary care for a retired “show and breeding” dog. Jenna was 14 years old with a baseball size ulcerated tumor on her lower back. Eleven other dogs were also seized for being in too small cages without water or bedding for prolonged periods of time in a dank cabin with mold and poor lighting. Many of the dogs were badly matted with infected eyes and ears. Jenna, also blind and deaf, had been remanded to this cabin to bump into walls and sleep on a filthy floor. While in the big house, a new litter and their mother were being attended to. This couple was well known in the AKC and Show world with trophies to prove it. However, subsequent veterinary care during the court case proved that the dogs had a genetic anomaly causing eventual blindness and other health issues that had not been addressed. Despite their former professional status, this couple fail as reputable breeders. Fortunately, during this 4 year case, the dogs were in incredible foster homes where they became pets, no longer breeding machines and show pieces. After surgery to remove that tumor, Jenna lived another year with a family who doted on her, likely the best year of her life.

Recently, 5 Great Dane female puppies were surrendered to our shelter when the owner failed to sell them on Craigslist (a notoriously dangerous place for animals). They were living in squalor in an empty house with the adult male and female Danes. The puppies were almost four months old and very underweight. They had not yet received vaccinations or any veterinary care. The owner was not a professional breeder, just trying to make some money. In other words, a “backyard” breeder. Puppy mills fall into this category. Buying puppies from stores or anywhere in Pennsylvania is contributing to the lifetime suffering of these breeding dogs and their offspring. If you are a particular breed fancier, do the research on the breed and the breeder. Be sure to see all of the dogs on the premises, not just the ones they want to show you. Check their veterinary references. There is actually a website listing the 40 most reputable dog breeders in the USA. Or better yet, Opt to Adopt from a reputable shelter or rescue.

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