An article on pitbulls and reflections on breeding animals

Mrs Wong shared this: http://news.discovery.com/animals/pit-bulls-dangerous-120515.html#mkcpgn=emnws1

THE GIST

• A Maryland court recently decided that pit bulls are “inherently dangerous.”
• Animal experts and advocates disagree with the ruling.
• The problem is complex, with some pit bulls bred specifically for fighting.

In short, here’s what I feel: Humans have no business breeding dogs to fight. That is just downright mean.

It all boils down to this: What makes some humans enjoy watching dog-fights, cock-fights, bull-fights, spider-fights, human gladiator fight? What entertainment do these humans derive from watching such things, and I think I should include violent movies as well. I get so turned off watching them, yet some people can stare at the screen and actually enjoy these scenes (sorry, I still don’t like “Hunger Games”, no matter what the message is). Even boxing matches, wrestling, etc. – we see people cheering humans who beat each other up. Why do humans enjoy violence? Violence for entertainment? I remember watching an extremely violent movie (starring Russell Crowe, in some gladiator fight) and it left me nauseated for weeks. I think there is more honour and bravery in settling problems peacefully than to fight to the death. There is even more courage and wisdom in walking away from a fight.

Sorry I digress, so let’s get back to the subject of breeding, there are quite a number of schools of thoughts:

A. Let’s just manage the animals who are currently living amongst us and do our best for them, ie. care for them, get them neutered, find them homes, educate people to be more tolerant of them. We shall refrain from commenting on breeders.

B. Responsible breeding is fine because people want certain breeds of animals. For example, small-sized dogs for apartment dwellers. Otherwise, these people will not never have a chance to care for a dog as a pet. But breeders must be responsible and legalised under some stringent legislation and checks must be conducted, etc. Backyard breeders ought to be severely penalised. More importantly, owners must read up about the dog they intend to buy, learn their characteristics, their specific health problems, and take good care of them…for life.

C. Please stop breeding animals. We have no business making money out of the animals. Don’t we already have enough strays to handle? Adopt from the pound and shelters. Get used to our local breeds. They are usually stronger, more resilient and less susceptible to illnesses.

D. It is okay to breed animals. We humans have dominion over the animals and we do what we want.

Which would be your take? I certainly hope it is not “D”!

The trouble with backyard breeders is if the animal is not properly bred, it may have neurotic behaviour, and this would be a curse for life on the poor animal. But even in responsible breeding, what happens to those poor babies who do not meet “the standards”? One of our very first cases of rehoming was this poor Yorkshire Terrier who was brought to our (then) panel vet by his breeder, to be euthanised because Yorky (as he was called) had neurological problems and could not walk straight. Daniel Azlan responded to our call and adopted Yorky. Yorky lived a very happy life, but only for 4 months. He passed away peacefully one morning, after breakfast and after a romp with his friends. It was a short, but very sweet life, all thanks to Daniel who was willing to adopt a “special” dog. But how many Daniel Azlans can we find? And how many “special” animals have been sent to the vet to be euthanised?

http://animalcare.my/2009/07/22/yorky-is-adopted/

http://animalcare.my/2009/07/22/yorky-and-friends-at-home/

http://animalcare.my/2009/10/14/the-peaceful-passing-of-yorky/

I know someone who used to be a breeder but he doesn’t do it anymore now. Let me find out what “responsible breeding” is all about, and maybe it will shed some light on this issue.

Or is there even any such thing as “responsible breeding”?

This is PETA’s views: http://www.peta.org/about/why-peta/responsible-breeders.aspx

An excerpt from the article:

Breeding Trouble

Producing more animals—either to make money or to obtain a certain “look” or characteristic—is also harmful to the animals who are produced by breeding. Dogs and cats don’t care whether their physical appearance conforms to a judge’s standards, yet they are the ones who suffer the consequences of humans’ manipulation. Inbreeding causes painful and life-threatening genetic defects in “purebred” dogs and cats, including crippling hip dysplasia, blindness, deafness, heart defects, skin problems, and epilepsy. Distorting animals for specific physical features also causes severe health problems. The short, pushed-up noses of bulldogs and pugs, for example, can make exercise and even normal breathing difficult for these animals. Dachshunds’ long spinal columns often cause back problems, including disc disease.

It says the public should not support breeders because for every purebred that is bought, a shelter animal loses its chance to be adopted. Hence, PETA’s view is that adopting is the only compassionate option, if we really claim to love animals.

Do you agree?