It makes me sick when I hear about people profiting from breeding animals while adding to the out-of-control homeless pet population in the United States. There are so many great pets waiting for homes in shelters that have less of a chance because people insist on breeding animals. Does anyone else see these breeders as selfish people out to make a buck at the expense of our country’s homeless pets?
I have adopted: 2 dogs, 2 ferrets, and 2 birds from animal shelters and every animal I ever have will be adopted from a shelter!! I think it is justifiable to say that breeders contribute to the homelss pet population because for every animal that is bought from a breeder, one less animal is adopted from a shelter.
I’ve spent several years working and/or volunteering at Humane Societies, and I can’t help but be angry at the fact that there are people deliberately producing more animals when there are so many already that end up being euthanized because they can’t find a home. I was harsh to make a generalized statement that breeders are, themselves, selfish. I’m sure many quality pets have been produced by responsible and caring breeders. But I think it’s out of control- I think it’s time to stop breeding and let the demand catch up with the supply. There are other ways to make a living.
I whole-heartedly agree that pet owners should be responsible and spay/neuter their pets to control the pet population. But what kind of sense does it make to say that and then turn around and say, “but go ahead and breed animals if you want.” Some statistics to consider:
“Each day 10,000 humans are born in the U.S., and each day 70,000 puppies and kittens are born. As long as these birth rates exist, there will never be enough homes for all the animals.” Source: Spay USA
“The public acquires only 14% of its pets from shelters; 48% get their pets as strays, from friends, from animal rescuers, 38% get their pets from breeders or pet stores.” Source: The Humane Society of the United States
“Over $2 billion is spent annually by local governments to shelter and ultimately destroy 8-10 million adoptable dogs and cats due to shortage of homes” Source: Business Wire Features