Animal Breeders - Just out for money or thinking of the good of the animals?
By Pigglies
@Pigglies (9329)
United States
January 10, 2007 7:56pm CST
I think a lot of breeders, unfortunately probably most, are just out for money. They don't care about the animals, they don't look into the best care standards, and they tend to not listen even when they know other care options available are better, just because if they spent more time with the animals and more money, they couldn't have as many and run a business.
I'm against animals as commodities (if you didn't notice that already). I think there can be responsible breeders out there, but they are few and far between!
Why would someone keep animals in cages/pens that are too small, not feed a proper diet, and then sell them to anyone who can pay? Certainly not because they love animals!
I have seen breeders that get the animals tested for diseases, rescue animals of that breed or species if any are out there in need of rescue, give the animals plenty of room, proper nutrition, vet care, screen potential buyers, etc. But why would anyone even consider breeding if they weren't able to do all of that?
I think this is a sad world we live in when animals have become nothing more than items to offer for sale.
4 responses
@wyldechylde (139)
• Canada
11 Jan 07
My mom has a friend who breed golden retrevers and she interviews people before she lets them buy her puppys so she knows tehy go to a good home and she checks up on them and if they arent treating the dogs right she gives them there money back and takes the dog home. I think shes not like most breeders though she calls a lot of the people she talks about who breed dogs bad names and says she woiuld ban them from having pets. So I think maybe you are right and most breeders are not very good to the pets.
1 person likes this
@hcromer (2710)
• United States
16 Jan 07
I do think that a lot of professional breeders do it all for the money and not at all for the animals themselves. When you look through breeders websites I think it is pretty easy to tell simply by the names of the rabbits that they breed. Obviously someone who has their animals named with real names has a little bit of a soft spot for them. I have seen many breeder sites whose animals are listed by a series of letters and numbers or tags on their ears.
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
16 Jan 07
I'm not sure the names are an indicator entirely, as many backyard breeders still name their pets but do not care for them.
I agree that tattooing and ear tagging show animals is rather impersonal (and even cruel, I've seen it down, it is a horrible process... yes, humans get pierced and tattooed too, but when you hold down a child to do it, it would be considered cruel because it is against their will).
I think a lot of small animal breeders especially (such as rabbit breeders) really overcrowd their animals, and often neglect vet care (because how much can they really sell a rabbit for? just an exam fee is $50). Many even neglect basic things like hay. And screening new owners to make sure they'll care for the animals properly? Good luck finding a small animal breeder that does that.
@mcmomss (2601)
• United States
16 Jan 07
I think you have a little of both. I'm sure there are those that just want the money. We have friends that breed pugs and they definitely care about the animals. They'll plan the breeding to time it so that someone will be home to look after the mother when it's time for her to go into labor and when the pups are little. They take them to the vet all the time. They're constantly checking weight and temps to make sure the pups are ok. Of course the reason they do it is for the money, but they truely care about the animals.
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
16 Jan 07
That's good when breeders still go to the vet. A lot seem to not worry about things because the cost of the vet outweighs the cost they can sell the puppies (or whatever) for.
Definitely better to plan the approximate time to be around a time where you won't be going anywhere.
I think there are probably more bad breeders that good out there unfortunately though.
@minsmins (162)
• Philippines
11 Jan 07
Yes, Ive been reading stories bout this puppy mill mentality, and take a note, they call themselves breeder. A reputable or responsible breeder is driven by the love of the animal (and the breed). they breed out of love and not for money.
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
11 Jan 07
Yes, unfortunately many backyard breeders practically run small scale puppy mills with the way things are there. Backbreeding, horrible cramped conditions, etc. I'd say to especially beware of a breeder who always has puppies available and who breeds more than one breed rather than specializing.
