Well, I read it. (I skimmed a bit in the middle.)
I think some good points are made about the lengths to which some breeders go to control a dog's physique. I, personally, find it disturbing that the pug (as well as some other purebreeds) are unable to naturally reproduce. That makes them seem "unnatural" to me.
But at the same time, I simply can not condone the philsophy shared by Haven. Really, I find it scary and shocking. Good job of the reporter to notice a limping dog, so he can write down the pen number to check on later?? That dog could be in pain for hours without proper care. That's clearly negligent in my book. He is NOT properly caring for these animals. How could he with such a large "operation"??
As far as it comes to creating 'hybrids' to improve the breed or to create a new one, such as was the purpose behind the labradoodle, I'm not as concerned. There was a purpose and a design to the process. It was controlled and studied, with labradoodles breed to labradoodles to the point of breeding to a set of traits. To me, this is not different from breeding pugs.
Unfortunately, dogs are in such a place in our culture/psyche that they are still seen more as possessions rather than creatures due respect. Until we as a society adjust, making our laws and regulations reflect the concern for the mental as well as physical needs of dogs, the factions of this issue will continue to conflict.
Cindy
Cedar (tri), Willow (blen), Holly (ruby), & Bella (blen)
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