Pet Adoptions vs. Private Breeders

This is a hot topic these days.  You have the people who are die hard animal right activists that say "it is immoral to be a breeder" because of some puppy mill's that have been exposed.  On the other hand you have good breeders that want to improve on their breed and continue the lines.  And then there are the people who are way out in left field that run puppy mills.

I personally don't take a strong stance either way (adoptions vs. breeding), but I do not condone the running of puppy mills.  Educating the public on how to have their pets spayed/neutered is wonderful.  Being a responsible owner of an intact animal is a must.  But there should not be laws mandating the spaying/neutering of your pets.

I personally have adopted animals from shelters and have purchased purebred animals from reputable breeders.  In my honorable opinion, it depends on what you are looking for in an animal.  Pure companionship, protection, hunting, etc. are a few things you should think about when you decide to get an animal.  This may help you narrow down the decision on where to get your new animal from.

If you do purchase an animal you need to decide what your plans are for the future in regards to do you want to have offspring or not, and what impact keeping an intact animal will have on your life.  Everyone should have the right to chose as long as you are a responsible owner.  If you prove otherwise, your rights to keep an animal should be revoked.

Our local shelters are filled with lots of animals that need love.  I have heard people say that "shelter animals were given up for a reason" and "why would you want someone elses cast offs?"  Well, you know what, not all animals are given up because of something that they did.  Most of the time it is the owners that are to fault.  Someone who didn't want to be responsible with an intact dog, who drops a litter and can't find homes for the pup's.  Loss of a job.  Having to relocate.  Loss of intrest.  Theses are more common reasons to why animals are in shelters than the dog having problems.

On the other hand there are reputable breeders out there that want the best for their animals and their lineage.  It has been shown over the years that certain breeds accel in certain talents and may be more desirable for a specific job over a mix breed.  It all depends on what you personally are looking for.

Once you have decided to get an animal, please do your research before getting something.  We do not want to add to the shelter populations and unneccesary deaths because of a seat of the pants decision to get a pet.  Also, unless you have a valid reason for keeping your pet intact, please consider getting them spayed/neutered to prevent accidental offspring.