Despite the fact that my ardent childhood wishes for a pony
were never realized, I was consoled by the fact that my parents always provided
my brother and me with furry companionship in the forms of dogs, cats, and the
occasional duck. My petite, black Labrador,
Dorothy, (whom my Mother found abandoned and barley clinging to life in front
of a grocery store) was a fixture of my life into my early twenties. Currently, I am the proud “Mom” of a
beautiful and gentle Dalmatian (named Lucy) who is nothing less than a significant
member of the family.
These formative (and present) relationships with pets have
been enriching for me, and serve to profoundly impact my views on laws that
regulate the quality of animal care required of Texas breeders. I was horrified to learn from a March 30,
2012 Texas Tribune article that the Texas Department of Licensing and
Regulation Commissioners recently implemented the U.S. Department of
Agriculture’s guidelines for care of animals raised by licensed breeders. Animal advocacy groups are disappointed with
this new legislation, citing it as entirely too lax because of its failure to
address basics, like proper cage size and flooring. Though not a current member of an animal
rights organization, I am amazed that those Texas law makers, as well as the
general citizenry, are not utterly supportive of enforcing stringent rules to
keep breeders’ handling of their animals in check. Any individual who has spent even a small
amount of time in the company of dogs should be able to see that they are not simply commodities, but, sensitive creatures who are endowed
with emotions, form attachments, and feel pain.
Otherwise why would they exhibit jubilation at the return of an owner,
or terror during a thunderstorm? But, if
Texas breeders cannot find it in their hearts to raise their animal care
standards for the sake of ethicality, perhaps they could do it to support their
own interests. Animals reared in proper
conditions will be healthier, happier, and therefore, more appealing to
potential owners. So, it’s ultimately
win-win (as well as possible evidence that one is possessing of a soul) to not
abuse puppies.
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ReplyDeleteI was very pleased to read my classmates article "The Care and Feeding of Puppies". I totally agree with the author on everything. Being the proud mother of a border collie, I have first hand experience with the "jubilant" reactions to my return and have spent a few hours coaxing during thunderstorms.
ReplyDeleteI genuinely can NOT believe that in this day in age we're still arguing over rather or not guidelines on the welfare of animals is worth a few bucks. First of all, I agree entirely with Ms. Green about the laxation and lack of importance emphasized by these new guidelines on the size and flooring regulations. I have volunteered at a humane society before and let me tell you, an animal will have to position themselves JUST right to spin around and they can forget a good stretch. Also, if a puppy were to have an accident, escaping the mess is literally impossible. So he/she will be forced to stand in it until they're cleaned. Plus, doesn't that seem like a mandatory subject to discuss?
Animals are not stupid (as Ms. Green also states!). Scientist have done studies suggesting that dogs can reach the intelligence level of a three year old child (I, personally, argue much older... my dog's intelligence seems to be beyond most 20 year olds). How many mothers would like to see their toddler sitting in their poop for hours? Hopefully not many. Then again, with hardly anyone even showing an interest in the welfare of furry companions, I'd be surprised.
I also think that breeding animals for profit is outrageous when there are several dogs at the humane society with their lives literally on the line. If there were standards to owning a pet, I think that the numbers of animals impounded would dramatically decrease. If someone actually had to put forth an effort to adopting a pet, this would automatically weed out the lazy scum who decide Lassie sheds too much and drop her off at the pound. Just an idea. I also have a few opinions on breeders, but I'm trying to keep this G rated.
I think that the author could have gone into a LITTLE more depth on the article, but the emotion is definitely there and she has my support 100%.