PRESS RELEASE
From: Oklahoma Animal Interest Alliance
May 10, 2008
Recently there has been a nationwide advertisement produced by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). This advertisement depicts a family that is accused of killing a dog because they chose to purchase a purebred dog from a breeder.
OAIA wants to publically express opposition to this emotional abuse of the public through the media. This advertisement neither shows a truthful view of the situation of homeless unwanted animals nor does it demonstrate how responsible purebred dog breeders in our community help to solve the problem of unwanted animals.
Responsible purebred dog breeders are part of the solution to this problem. Purebred dog breeders understand what behaviors predominate in the breed they work with and offer support and follow up services to the pet owner to prevent future problems.
Experienced responsible purebred dog breeders use behavioral and health diagnostic tools to ensure that the dogs they breed conform to a standard in temperament, structure and health. With these tools, the breeder’s knowledge and experience the breeder is able to provide information to pet owners who are able to make informed choices.
Most purebred dog breeders will require as part of a purchase contract, that if for any reason a pet owner cannot keep the dog, the breeder will be responsible to take the dog back. In fact, many responsible purebred dog breeders check with pet owners periodically to make sure both the dog and the owner are happy, the dog is healthy and to offer solutions to any problems.
Following a structured code of ethics dog breeders who are members of purebred parent club organizations are most likely involved in rescue and support for unwanted dogs. These organizations take on the difficult task of bringing abused and neglected dogs back to health and finding adoptable homes. Again, making sure the potential owners are matched with the right pet and follow up support is provided is the key element to a successful long-term adoption.
By using emotional intimidation tactics instead of fact based evidence, PETA blames the very people who can help to solve the problem concerning unwanted pets. The fact is that according to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, in 2007 PETA reported they euthanized 90% of the adoptable animals in its care in 2007. Based on this fact PETA certainly is not an organization that should be providing guidance to our community on how to decrease the number of unwanted pets that are euthanized in our community.
OAIA does not want to discourage anyone who wishes to adopt a pet from a local animal shelter. Dogs from a shelter can make wonderful pets. It is important however to acknowledge that there are many good people including responsible purebred dog breeders who are working to ensure that pets and their owners are happy, healthy and get the most from the relationship between humans and animals.
End of Press Release
OAIA is a volunteer based private non-profit organization that works to provide public education and resources to help Oklahoman’s understand the truth about living with animals. Our membership consists of experts in a variety of pet related areas. Included are; veterinarians, dog breeders, dog trainers, behavioral specialists, dog sport enthusiasts, pet owners, people who work directly with shelters, people that provide private rescue services and those that work through purebred dog clubs. Members have a direct interest in working to solve community problems relating to pets and their owners.
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