The comment period for the U.S. Department of Agriculture proposed rule that would categorize many small/hobby breeders as commercial breeders and subject them to unnecessary licensing, regulation and inspections will close on August 15. *
I wish the AKC and Pure Bred "Hobby" dog world would work together to provide an alternative rather than just stomping their feet and saying NO WAY! over and over and over. Of course we do not want the Gov to keep legislating us into a corner in all areas of our life but I know most of us agree that it is a little out of hand with Puppy Mills and All the unwanted pets that us tax payers and volunteers take care of daily. Is anyone willing to provide solutions or to give up a little something for the good of our companion animals??
Personally there are parts of this new "rule" that I agree wholeheartedly with. Realistically I know it will be hard to enforce if they even bother to enforce it at all except on a case by case "make an example - my neighbor hates me" basis. I would love to have an agreed upon legal definition of a commercial breeder and also have shipping of small puppies regulated more closely. I would also like to see more of the organized purebred dog world get involved in their local communities to help promote, teach and force Responsible Dog Ownership!
To me a commercial breeder is anyone who keeps breeding stock in crates or kennels more than XX number of hours a day. If your animals are not pets and they do not have a "companion pet life" and you breed you might be a commercial breeder!! Why do we need the government or someone else to define this for us?? This is a no-brainer to me. Why is 4 breeding bitches an unreasonable amount to be classified as a commercial breeder? What true hobby breeders do we know with more than 3 breeding bitches?? Heck more than 2 for that matter! What is a good number?
Why is it unreasonable to have people pick up their new pups?? My personal feelings are if you cannot afford to go get your pup you should look closer to home because the purchase price and transportation costs will be nothing compared to future proper care of the pet. Again, my opinion is if you dont mind putting a tiny pup on a plane than you are more than a hobby breeder! Commercial breeders do not care about the short and long term welfare of the puppies they sell. Commercial breeders are those who breed and sell pups to fill a demand for pups. Yes, people do make money on litters, I dont even want to get going there now but I am sure I wil later.
When I first read about this there was an argument that it would make it difficult for Rescue Groups as well, in regards to the transportation issues. My first thoughts were Rescue Groups will figure it out. These people will walk on hot coals to help animals. They have overcome plenty to be able to continue to Rescue, Rehab and Rehome dogs and cats. So, I thought I would ask a couple of groups. I was not surprised to learn that they support this new suggested rule. The Rescue groups I have talked to say this is not a problem for them so it makes us look bad if we use the argument that this will make it hard on Rescue Groups.
So anyway, I again ask, what are we the pure bred dog world willing to do or sacrifice for the betterment of our industry?? ANYTHING?
Coming Soon: "Why should I , a Hobby Breeder worry about unwanted dogs and responsible dog ownership in my community?"
Copyright 2013 Ciera Reflections. All Rights Reserved.
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