Last night the 134th Westminster Dog Show took place. As always, the competition went forth with elegance, grace, and some really beautiful dogs. Well, the show went forth as such until two representatives from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) stormed the ring.
The crowd favorite for the evening was Sadie, a four and a half year old Scottish terrier who took her best in breed with ease. She went on to the terrier competition and took that easily too. The crowd loved her, her silky black hair glistened under the lights, and she just looked like she was having the time of her life. Sadie moved on the the final competition of the evening- best in show. There she would be competing against the winners of the herding, sporting, non-sporting, toy, hound and working groups. Judge Elliot Weiss inspected all seven dogs and had them each take a once around the room. When he pointed at Sadie for best in show, the crowd roared and Sadie’s handler, Gabriel Rangel, looked elated.
However, the celebration was interrupted when two smartly dressed women strolled onto the ring holding signs that said “Mutts Rule” and “Breeders Kill Shelter Dogs’ Chances.” The “Breeders Kill” slogan was used by PETA in one of their ad campaigns. PETA claims they did not send the women, but they do support them. The ladies were quickly escorted off of the premises.
Now, according to Newsweek, PETA has euthanized over 17,000 animals, nearly 85% of all the animals they rescue. They claim that it’s better for the animal to be dead than to be in captivity. It seems to me that it’s not breeders who kill the shelter dogs. You would think that a group who storms the Westminster Dog Show to protest would be more concerned with finding lost or abandoned animals proper homes, but apparently that’s not their focus.
Nevertheless, Sadie (who’s full name is Roundtown Mercedes of Maryscot) took the podium and became the first dog to win the Westminster Dog Show, the National Dog Show, and the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. Congratulations Sadie!
Comments
Michael Hawk
February 17th, 2010 - 12:07:33 PM
Your Newsweek stat is very telling, I like that paragraph very much. Peta seems like a valuable organization, but they just have no focus and end up coming off like loonies instead of, as you say, actually doing something about the problem.
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Capt D
February 17th, 2010 - 5:42:18 PM
CHECK OUT HOW MANY ANIMALS ARE KILLED BY PETA SHELTER: www.petakillsanimals.com
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nich
February 18th, 2010 - 1:06:54 AM
Capt D - you are a epitome of STUPIDITY. The whole POINT of the protest was to highlight the NECESSITY to euthanize animals because people keep breeding them and supporting puppy mills. As long as trashy shows like Westminster and other stupid pure-breed dog shows exist, shelter dogs MUST be euthanized. There is simply not enough homes for the animals.
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Eden Springs
February 18th, 2010 - 6:00:35 AM
The epitome of stupidity is actually claiming you can save lives through killing. If you want to find out about an organization that REALLY protects animals, check out www.nathanwinograd.com and learn about the No Kill Adovcacy Center. Then, ask your PeTA Pals and your H$U$ Cronies why THEY continue to support killing. "We do not advocate 'right to life' for animals," PeTA founder Ingrid Newkirk wrote about the No-Kill Movement. "Euthanasia is the kindest gift to a dog or cat unwanted and unloved." The TRUTH is there is NO pet overpopulation problem; there ARE enough homes for all animals to be adopted and, nationwide, and the percentage of PUREBRED dogs in shelters averages under 25%.
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Sara Welsh
February 18th, 2010 - 6:06:40 AM
I'm sorry Nich, but I don't really agree. It totally depends on the person. If I was allowed to have a dog (I live in an apartment complex) I would go to a rescue or a shelter. Pedigree doesn't mean anything to me, but it truely does to others. It also comes down to money. I'd much rather go to a shelter, plop down a $75 donation and adopt a beautiful and adorable cat (her name is Dagmar and I LOVE her) than pay $1200 for a purebred Siamese. The only reason why rescued animals don't have homes are because people aren't actively trying to get them homes.
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Serena
February 18th, 2010 - 9:13:39 AM
Puppy mills are the reason PETA was protesting.I am 100% no kill so pedigree factories must be closed down. I know there are responsible owners out there but many do not realize the origin of their pedigree puppy.
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Tandy
February 18th, 2010 - 9:15:15 AM
Mutts are the best pets, especially the adopted ones.
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Sara Welsh
February 18th, 2010 - 9:33:36 AM
I agree that puppy mills should be shut down. Maybe PETA should have had an anti-puppy mill sign instead of just being anti-breeder. And mutts do make great pets Tandy!
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crystal
February 18th, 2010 - 11:18:03 AM
I am good friends with a dog shower and breeder. She is a DOG SNOB! She would NEVER think of getting a dog from a shelter (giving them a second chance for life). She cares for her dog but obviously thinks shelter dogs are beneath her because she paid a INSANE amount for her "show dog". She also makes stupid comments about my loved mix breed (adopted) which kinda pisses me off but then again I know her type and I am not surprised. So I will think to myself, whatever little miss dog snob. Good job protesters! I often think PETA is a bit over the top but this makes sense! There are SOOO MANY dogs in pounds looking for homes but breeders cause so many problems to much to list on here. Look it up, look up puppy mills who strive to copy "breeders"! These women are raising attention to an important issue.
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Crystal
February 18th, 2010 - 12:03:57 PM
Some dog lovers feel that buying a purebred dog is ethically questionable because of health problems associated with overbreeding and inbreeding. At the same time, two million to three million shelter dogs in the U.S. are put to death every year.
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CattyCat
February 18th, 2010 - 12:21:49 PM
You really do not understand the reality of how many shelter animals die until you volunteer for a shelter. I have volunteered for 2 years now and have cried numerous times when an animal that I have loved had to be put to sleep. Breeders alone are not the problem, if they didn't have a demand for their animals then they would not be in business. People need to understand that shelter dogs and cats can be as good of, if not more of a companion than the full breed that you can buy. Not to mention the various health conditions that come with buying a full breed animal. If you want a particular breed that is okay, there are tons of full breed rescues and believe it or not many full breeds at shelters. Lastly, the best way to stop euthanasia is to SPAY/NEUTER!!
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Susan
February 18th, 2010 - 1:22:21 PM
Too many of you have drunk the PETA Kool-Aid. PETA kills shelter animals not for lack of available homes but because they feel it is cruel for any dog to live in "captivity" i.e., in a loving home with good quality food, great medical care, exercise and training. Responsible hobby breeders produce dogs of the highest quality and think very carefully about who they will allow to purchase them. They make sure potential owners understand the cost of owning a dog for its lifetime, the qualities of this particular breed and whether this dog will suit them. Responsible hobby breeders remain in contact with their puppy buyers through the dog's live, providing expertise on the breed and their lines, sharing the joys and ultimately mourning with the owners the death of their precious dog. Responsible hobby breeders sell dogs on contracts that mandate if the owner can not keep the dog for any reason it must be returned to the breeder. Dogs end up in shelters because irresponsible or ignorant owners purchased them from a pet store or backyard breeder -- without a clear commitment to the dog for its lifetime or without a clear understanding of the responsibilities of dog ownership. As for the cost of a responsibly bred puppy, it represents no more than the cost of doing a good breeding, caring for the dam, whelping the puppies and providing them with the best possible first 8 weeks of life. Responsible hobby breeders do not make money selling puppies -- if they are very lucky they will just about recoup their costs. Moreover, the cost of obtaining a quality puppy is an absolute drop in the bucket compared to the cost of providing for it over its lifetime. If you cannot afford to purchase a quality puppy then you can not afford to own one. Proud owner of 2 responsibly bred, purebred dogs, one of whom I very proudly showed at Westminster this week.
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Jen
February 18th, 2010 - 6:52:54 PM
Very well said, Susan! As a breeder and exhibitor myself, I really appreciate your thoughtful, concise response to the 'PeTA kool-aid.' My dogs (both purebred AND 100% american shelter hound) have better lives than many people's children!
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CattyCat
February 19th, 2010 - 6:35:14 AM
I invite anyone who is a breeder to volunteer your time at an animal shelter. I can sit here and tell you that 3-4 million companion animals are euthanized every year, but it wont sink in. You really need to volunteer, see a dog or cat come in, spend some time with that animal, grow to love it, then watch it be put to sleep since he/she was overlooked, or not even looked at because people purchased an animal. It only takes that ONE animal to realize the effect that animal breeders have on the rest of the animal population. It isn't that solid black cat's fault that it is black, it isn't that brindle pit bull's fault that it is a pit. So why should they be put to death because of it? I promise if you go to a shelter and spend some time there, you will understand why I, along with others feel so stongly about this issue. Shelter/rescue pets are the best out there! I am the proud owner of two wonderful mutts, a black and white cat, a tabby cat and a rescued Himalayan!
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Bonnie
February 19th, 2010 - 7:11:12 AM
Cattycat,, it might surprise you to learn that MANY purebred fanciers DO volunteer their time and money to shelters and SPCAs. I volunteer for adoptions and also Nursing home visitations in my city. We feel for the animals who have no homes through no fault of their own, however we do not like the irresponsible back yard owners who let their pets run free and end up with a litter of animals who have to find homes or be dropped off at the shelter because of their stupidity. Mandating spay and neutering does not work. Too many who do not obey the leash laws now would not obey that law either, they would just throw the animal away rather than comply. Responsible and loving owners make sure their pets are confined to home and hobby breeders like myself have contracts to make sure none of their pups ever end up in a shelter. Raising a litter is expensive. Especially the hundreds of hours of care from start to finish and the health testing to make sure your dog is healthy before you breed. Give us a break, we do it for the love we get from our dogs. They love showing and you can tell. Just look at the joy they have in the ring.
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Sydney
February 19th, 2010 - 8:48:15 AM
Thanks Capt D for pointing out that PETA kills animals that could be adopted. Thanks too to Susan for pointing out the REAL reason PETA kills pets (not for lack of homes but b/c they feel death is better than slavery to humans). Really big thanks to Susan for pointing out how RESPONSIBLE breeders do things. I love all dogs and cats; both purebred and mixed breed. But has anyone thought about the biggest reason pets are in shelters? It's not from overbreeding. It's from OWNER SURRENDER. The majority of animals in shelters HAD HOMES. Their owners gave them up for various reasons - maybe they moved, maybe they can't afford them anymore. Or maybe they didn't research the breed before obtaining it and the breed didn't mesh with their family (a responsible breeder would have screened and advised the breed was not a good choice for them and refused the sale). This can also go for shelter pets. Shelter pets have their personality and genetic issues just like purebreds. Did you know when a pet is adopted from a shelter, but is given up again b/c things didn't work out - did you know they are counted TWICE? Or however many times they end up going back? Doesn't that skew shelter population #'s? Did you know that hundreds of thousands of dogs are IMPORTED FROM OTHER COUNTRIES b/c there aren't enough to fill the demand? PETA does the crazy stuff, but the HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) is who you really need to keep an eye on. If they have their way, in time there will be NO MORE ANIMALS - and that SHELTER PETS and farm animals (bye bye steak, eggs, bacon, etc). Don't believe me? Check out www.ar-hr.com or www.humanewatch.org.
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Sydney
February 19th, 2010 - 8:50:03 AM
Ooops that should be "IMPORTED FROM OTHER COUNTRIES b/c there aren't enough here to fill the demand" and "and that includes SHELTER PETS and farm animals..." Sorry!
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Surprised!
February 19th, 2010 - 12:37:44 PM
I am SURPRISED by these comments. I am sure there are SOME breeders who volunteer their time making sure that homeless pets find new owners but lets get real... that is a minority! Bonnie: "Mandating spay and neutering does not work" That is the most ignorant thing I have read in a while. Do your research before you begin to talk out of your ass. I believe we could all learn something from this conversation and that would be TAKE OFF YOUR BLINDERS!! Even the AKC is realizing their flaws and allowing mixed breeds to compete. I am not surprised how apathetic we are all as Americans. Disgusting! By the way while on your way to do RESEARCH to how about you look into the rebuttal. I am not saying the AKC is completely bad... I am saying they are the reason that many backyard and puppy mills exist because people strive for the PERFECT DOG! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5R2wE8Sduhs I have animals for different reasons I guess, for companionship, fun, etc NOT to have them judged in a contest! Compassion. That is the difference. I know show dogs are treated well most of the time but what about the ones you choose to ignore?! Please watch the BBC documentary on Pedigree dogs... you can find it on youtube! After you watch it and form an intelligent opinion please reply. Not with the non-sense above (Bonnie!)
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Educator
February 19th, 2010 - 2:15:35 PM
Has anybody read Animal Farm?
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Nancy the Breeder
February 19th, 2010 - 2:23:39 PM
I am a breeder and even I understand why PETA would protest purebreds. Not because they hate those dogs, but it takes away the chances for the MILLIONS of other unwanted dogs. I am one of a few responsible and respectable breeders and I actually agree. MUTTS RULE! so do purebreds and if you do volunteer GOOD! But my fellow breeders do not and truthfully I am considering stopping, it does feel like Nazi eugenics. I have PLENTY of land and can support my dogs financially. I usually end in the red (no profit) when I breed, this is love for the breed! Not making money from them. Also many people do not claim it on their taxes, its a lucrative business sometimes shameful!
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Nancy the Breeder
February 19th, 2010 - 2:31:43 PM
NOTE because I was unclear. . . I meant I am possibly ending my breeding career.
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mark franklin
February 20th, 2010 - 5:42:04 AM
have you seen a puppy mill before? I have and honestly I understand only because I've experienced the sick and sad lives these animals were pimiped out to have. we are not God why force a new creation: the perfect dog. and it's disgusting how people will turn the other cheek or argue about it. Yes I donate money to my local shelter, I have encouraged and made sure all my friends and families animals are spayed and neutered and chipped. I want you all to know that by educating yourself you might see the truth. I don't like PETA per say but really they have struck a cord and you all should feel guilty for selling and buying animals like a slave trade when there is such an urgent need!
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Bonnie
February 20th, 2010 - 10:18:05 AM
OH MY! Surprised is a name for you alright. I am not surprised though, because I said nothing bad about this and you do NOT know me. I report all "income" LOL from my dogs and if I make a "profit" it is taxed. It appears rabid animal rights people cannot be lucid and only attack others who do not agree with their views. My dogs lay on the sofa with us and have fun. They enjoy being pets all their lives, even in showcoat my dogs run outdoors and play. So sad your viewpoint is warped and you must attack with venom even those who do things you say you think we should like volunteer at shelters. We just CAN'T get it right to suit you.
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Sara Welsh
February 20th, 2010 - 1:04:31 PM
Wow that's a lot of comments! Thank you all for your opinions and outlook on this issue. I appreciate you all taking the time to read my article, but I'm going to ask that you refrain from name calling. Like most issues, it's hardly black and white. People's feelings cannot make it so.
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Aircastle
February 21st, 2010 - 4:35:39 AM
People get fired up Sarah, because of the incredible bond between humans and animals of which PeTA and their like seems completely unaware. To those who made comments, however, I find it interesting how many of you have such high ideals in regards to purebred dogs, for which I applaud you for your concern. But I also have one small rebuke you might consider. You see, you speak from ignorance. When have you held a weak pup – only hours old and a breath away from eternity – working feverishly to get them to suckle long enough to sustain their lives for just one more day? I doubt you have ever spent sleepless weeks on end, feeding and caring for that little one whose very life depends on the painful experience you gained from losing the fight in previous litters. Have you ever spent tens of thousands of dollars to raise up a puppy, campaign them to their titles, test for every disease known to veterinary science, and only in the middle of their life, find a genetic flaw that not only made them ineligible to reproduce, but potentially could still their heart and take from you a being you truly love to your soul? I have and more! You see, I am one of those evil purebred breeders. I produce, raise, and show my dogs, and I have the scars on my heart to prove it. I place every puppy into the most loving homes I can find, and I track them for as long as I am able, which can be as long as their very lives. And producing less than one litter every other year, I will never see even a hint of compensation to equal my expenses. I test for both genetic and congenital diseases, provide day-to-day care for my “family”, groom, train, socialize, scrutinize, and plan for the next generation. Why go through this much trouble? It’s because I truly believe in thoroughbred dogs, and without our guardianship, these proud and noble lines would cease to exist. My dogs aren’t just pretty playthings, and are service dogs as well. They assist humans in ways that other humans simply cannot do. Those pups are donated, by the way, as is my time in bringing them to the point where they are able to perform their tasks. As I write this, my Grand Champion therapy dog Dottie is lovingly nuzzling my arm. She brings aid and comfort to the mentally disabled. Should her work be silenced for the sake of someone else’s ideal? I believe those she aids would beg to differ! You speak of shelters and I will tell you of rescue. Oh, I won’t just intellectualize about it either. I’ll leave that for those of you who wish to complain, but would never consider getting your hands dirty in the muck of clearing out a puppy mill. I doubt you have spent my hours on the phone arranging transport, meeting collection appointments, doing home inspections, or especially fostering a lost soul. Have you ever witnessed the sorrowful cry of a once beloved family member during the moment of final separation? There is far too much to tell you, and you would not have the time here for me to even begin to relay what I have seen and done as a breeder, exhibitor, rescuer, trainer, ring steward, show chairman, club member, and UKC conformation judge in my score of tenure. Nor will you likely listen to what I have to say anyway. And so, I shall simply resign myself to my task at hand of protecting my breed, my sport, and my very way of life. And if you can’t understand that, well then, I charge you with only one task, and a simple one at that. Stop standing on the sidelines protesting your intellectual ilk. Come stand in the trenches with the majority of purebred breeders willing to sacrifice ourselves to what we believe in. Get some real experience on our side of the fence before you decry our evil intent. You might even find out why we support rescue so strongly. Should you do so, I promise that it will do more than change your mind . . . it might just change your life! (aircastle.110mb.com)
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Aircastle
February 21st, 2010 - 4:48:15 AM
Oops . . . let me apologize for misspelling your name Sara. And the reason you got so many and such strong comments is because you wrote an excellent article. PeTA just hates it when they are exposed for their real intent! They're all about politics, with no concern for animal welfare.
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Slvrtoys
February 21st, 2010 - 1:26:46 PM
Amen, Aircastle. I also have spent many hours nursing a weak puppy. I also have spent my time also rescuing dogs from shelters nursing them back to mental helth where they could have a better life in the future than they had befor. I also have spent a lot of time in schools and in summer day camps teaching responseable dog ownership and how to care for their pets. My theory is educate the children, they will educate their parents. Mostly I have bred only one litter a year since I raise a toy breed. Believe me there are many more "Lap Champions" than any other kind. My dogs have always been my companions first and second some were show dogs. If they didn't like to show, they didn't have to. They live in my house with me, sleep with me and have a half acre of back yard to run and play in. I agree with you many people do not know how most show dogs live. Like you I believe people who slam us should walk a mile in our shoes.
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Javen
February 23rd, 2010 - 6:19:15 AM
"Mandating spay and neutering does not work." That statement shocks me more than anything else. No you shouldn't feel guilty for loving a pet and wanting to bred them. BUT the major problem with homeless animals has a solution, SPAY AND NEUTER. The debate above has turned away from the main issue at hand. Dogs have evolved slowly from wolves and found a home with humans and have been mated into specific breds to do certain jobs. Most dogs in the USA are PETS of typical homes not working dogs.
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Javen
February 23rd, 2010 - 6:29:56 AM
With that knowledge and trying to take a step back from the issue, look at it again. There is no end to this debate. Hopefully we can learn and respect others points of views. I completely understand wanting to continue to bred a certain dog. I also understand why many animal shelter workers and those from the ASPCA would ENCOURAGE and PROMOTE the rescue and adoptions rather than purchasing! Compassion is shown in different ways! I believe that breeding does cause many problems. The Westminster also puts a stigma on mutts making people desire a PUREbred and not some homeless mixed mutt! This is a social issue. I dont know, there are so many things to consider. Note: I have am an K9 German Shepherd who works on the force with me. His sister was given to a rescue and eventually due to nobody adopting her was put into a shelter where she was gassed to death. After I found out her sad fate I became a foster home for dogs looking for placement. I feel a guilt KNOWING that she was overlooked and never given a chance.
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Javen
February 23rd, 2010 - 6:33:48 AM
Failed to mention that his sister failed the academy, which is very difficult for the average dog to pass.
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Granola Girl
February 23rd, 2010 - 6:36:29 AM
Please watch the BBC documentary on Pedigree dogs. (many people nurse animals back to health and take care of their animals responsibly some breeders are better than others as with some shelters are better than others)
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Jackie (Trainer)
February 23rd, 2010 - 6:40:58 AM
I am a trainer and feel that the a lot of purebreds are considered to be on a some kind of pedestal. I enjoy working with DOGS. Not certain kinds, not mixed, not rescues, not purebreds! DOGS. Just as a teacher enjoys working with children. Not just blonde children with blue eyes they find they love and adore ALL CHILDREN.
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Surprised!
February 23rd, 2010 - 6:51:26 AM
Motivations to improve the welfare of animals stems from sympathy and empathy. It is delayed by self interest!
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John
March 5th, 2010 - 4:00:14 AM
This article is very bias. I am on not on a side but in a situation such as this I would of liked to know the statements from both sides.
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