PUREBRED DOGS: An Endangered Animal
By Ann H. Short - May 1, 2011
It’s amazing what bizarre thoughts randomly creep into one’s “writing mind” when the decision is made to sleep in on a Sunday morning. Lying in bed, drifting in and out of a dream state, I found myself conjuring up slogans for bumper stickers. I said this was bizarre. There are bumper stickers supporting the theme of ‘Save a Life, Adopt a Pet’. In Maine we have a specialty license to support the animal welfare program which says “Respect. Love. Adopt.” All very nice and I applaud folks efforts to do the right thing. But doing the right thing may not ALWAYS be the best thing to do.
But while we’re on the subject, it’s been suggested that I don’t support Maine’s program. That’s not true at all. Before I go any further I feel a need to offer a disclosure statement explaining that I am a breeder of purebred dogs with a purposeful breeding program. I also support the efforts of and recognize the important role that rescue groups and shelters play. But all of us are aware of a decrease in the number of purebred animals due in part to a message of mandatory spay/neuter of all pets which has permeated every factor. Individuals owning an intact animal (not involved in a breeding program or under consideration for a conformation title) feels embarrassed or a sense of shame about it. Breeders who decide to sell animals without a mandatory spay/neuter contract are frowned upon. There are those who degrade those breeders of purebred animals who make a small profit, promote a particular breed, engage in selective breeding and/or provide purpose bred animals. Based on my own personal experience and that of other breeders (dogs and/or cats) I believe it is fair to say we live in an age where an undercurrent of misguided contempt exists towards all breeders. The assumption is that “WE” are the reason for pet overpopulation in the shelters. If that is true, then why are thousands of animals imported from out of state and out of the country to fill empty shelters? Animals that frequently carry disease? There often is a notable breakdown of communication, support, and cooperation among breeders, rescue groups and humane societies as the current trend is to define each other by using words as reputable, responsible, etc. An omission of use of these terms in general conversation can cause eyebrows to lift, suspicions to arise, and fingers to point regarding who is or who is not. Simply said, there are factions of division occurring at every level involving all concerned with animal welfare. There is a need for ongoing, valuable and productive discussions to be held regarding the pet importation problems, mandatory spay/neuter laws, etc. among all of us. But I think it’s time to start paying closer attention to the decline in the number of purebred animals. Contrary to popular belief among ‘some’ animal advocacy groups, this decline is NOT a good thing.
Despite the questions and concerns voiced by many regarding AKC’s policies, overall objective for the future, and recent changes it is a valuable statistical resource on many levels especially in regards to number of dogs. There have been sharp declines in the number of AKC dog registrations and the numbers for all purebred animals are thought to be on the decline as well. I’m not worried about the future of AKC, that isn’t my problem. I am more concerned however about the future of purebred domestic animals and in particular - dogs.
Each year hundreds of new laws aimed at protecting the rights of animals are passed. I’m all for eliminating animal abuse, neglect, and cruelty and will always support and work towards reasonable animal welfare laws. But I do feel a very real and present danger exists for purebred dog and cat breeders effected by well-intentioned legislation. Competent breeders of purebred animals who willingly comply with state animal welfare laws continue to experience the reality of ever increasing rules and regulations aimed at protecting animals. I live in a state ranked #3 in the country for the strongest animal protection laws. Some consider that to be very positive. Others consider that to be very restrictive. Animal owners are experiencing increased regulations that take away their right to govern and care for their animals without strict government oversight. Not only are breeders of purebred dogs in danger of eventually being regulated out of existence, but so is the purebred dog itself. And my fear is that it will happen without public notice.
The road to an animal becoming extinct includes these three paths: Threatened Species, Endangered Species, and Extinct Species. Animals with small populations are likely to become endangered at some point in the future. Endangered animals are those whose numbers are decreasing in numbers, at risk of becoming extinct, and threatened by various, changing parameters. Extinct animals cease to exist, they have died out, and no longer live on earth. We can go to any zoo and observe captive populations of many endangered animals. These individuals are bred in captivity where some genetic variation of their original form is sustained. SOME species exist ONLY in captivity in a controlled, managed environment. Once a threatened or endangered species become extinct, they are gone forever. Could this actually happen to all dogs? Without purebred dogs, there will be no mixed breed dogs, there will be no expensive designer doodley doo dogs, there will be no oops litters, there won’t even be any strays to rescue and so on and so forth. There simply will be no dogs. Period.
There’s a poster I’ve seen with a photograph of a dog leash attached to an empty dog collar and asks the question “Where Did all the Dogs Go?” It further states that “If we spay and neuter all dogs and ban all breeding, where will it lead?” I’m here to say it very well could lead to purebred dogs easily falling into one of the above catagories. I don’t want my great grandchildren to experience the reality of buying an admission ticket for a special zoo attraction of a purebred dog. Can you imagine, a special section of the zoo dedicated to the “Canis Genus” (Domestic dog) containing barred enclosures with reproductions of natural habitats, depicting the original purpose of a particular breed. Think of seeing a Brittany dog, a dog bred for hunting, demonstrating in an artificial natural habitat the manner in which it once scented, pointed and found upland game. Imagine a similar demonstration depicting a member of the herding breed, simulating a round up of farmers sheep. Do you get the picture?
Sheep, counting sheep, I must have counted one too many this morning when I decided to sleep in. Which brings me back to the beginning of my story where my day started with thoughts of bumper stickers. I’m not sure if rambling from my soap box in hopes of sounding a clear clarion call for those with ears to hear can make a difference or not. I’d like to think so. I know this is extreme, but extreme is what got us all into this situation in the first place if you catch my drift. In the meantime I think I have a good idea for a new bumper sticker. Stay tuned.
Ann H. Short
Maine Hunting & Sporting Dog Owners
Permission given by author to crosspost in it's entirety
