It has become increasingly difficult for ethical breeders to run a thriving business without being accused of being an animal “ hoarder” or a “Mill.”

Why is this happening to ethical breeders?

 

Negative publicity always sparks the interest of “extremists”, those right wing rebels and fighters for justice for all things wrong in the world today.  Not to mention those who are undeniably out in left field. These left fielders are malicious people looking for a way to get even.

 

 Let’s just say for instance they have a personal issue with this ethical breeder (we will use a dog breeder for this example). This woman (we will call Eva) has a cousin whose boy friends sister  (we will call her Cathy) bought an antique vase from her aunt and it turned out to be a fake. Even though the Aunt was totally unaware it was a fake, Eva wants to avenge Cathy so Eva writes a very dauntingly nasty review on a popular online dogs for sale website, also writes a letter to the directors of the American Kennel Club reporting this ethical breeder as a “Puppy Mill”. If Eva herself has done business with this breeder may even go so far as to report her to The Better Business Bureau. While these accusations will be investigated and proven false, the ethical breeders reputation has been adversely affected and the ethical breeder now must repair it. In the past incidents like this were not that hard to resolve. It usually took a few malicious attacks such as these before a breeder was even questioned.

As of late the general public has been smothered by information regarding the horrific treatment of animals. It is truly without a doubt justifiable concern, however with so many caring people as well as extremists and nut cases wanting to do “their part” it is being blown way out of proportion. This “over caring” is really hurting the ethical breeder, who is an organized, careful, loving and nurturing breeder who cares for their selected breed or breeds as if they are human.

Now, however because of the irresponsibility of  hoarders and mass production  facilities, ethical breeders are taking a beating. They must constantly be on guard and ready to fight a barrage of accusations and insults even in forums and blogs. Many pet services no longer condone the breeding of pets because there are so many unwanted pets in shelters. There is a lot to be said for shelters however, some people wish to keep pure breeds pure and show their animals, many breeds were developed for certain qualities and purposes.

 

Tennessee Walking Horses Have been selectively bred over the years for their smooth gait and long distance endurance. Not all horses share these qualities. A quarter horse is built for harder work but does not have the gait of a walker. To get the qualities you want in an animal you must purchase a breed that fits your need. This is not usually the case if you get your horse from an animal shelter. What you will generally get is what is referred to as a “Grade horse” meaning it is a mixed breed that could have many or few good qualities but cannot be reliable. The same is true of dogs , cats or any other animal that can be cross bred. I realize there are occasionally pure breed animals available in shelters. These usually do not have their registration or lineage available or any past health records. If you are just looking for “a pet” and it’s characteristics are not important, The shelter is a great option. When getting a pet from a shelter however take the same measures to investigate the shelter as you would a breeder. Some shelters have been known to have sick and mistreated animals. These animals can be dangerous as well.                   Continued...