Page 21 - Chow Life - Winter 2017

to this label and with that logic the and how, through the use of undefined husbandry as a way to grow the idea
best indicator of whether a breeder labels, the animal rights movement into something bigger. Some of the
is being responsible or not can be has been able to create havoc in the first uses of this label focused on the
tested by what they produce and world of pure-bred dogs. breeders in certain states and cities. It
how they register it. This method In the past, the most popular use of resulted in changes in policies, zoning,
identifies some breeders as better the undefined label was to describe regulations and even legislation. The
then other breeders. This scenario the commercial or high volume strategy being used today closely
salutes those who breed to produce breeders as "puppy mills". Other parallels this scenario. It focuses on
better quality. In the background labels were then linked to it. The were issues the Animal Rights Movement
however, there are some important called "overpopulation", "vicious dogs", believes need to be changed. Their
and very fundamental questions. For "dangerous dogs", "responsible dog current strategy begins with the
example, why do so many breeders owner", etc. While each of these labels fancy (breeders/writers) they push
endorse the use of DNA but have enjoyed wide-spread acceptance, for acceptance in conversation, at
little or no understanding of its uses none were ever defined. In each case, meetings and on websites. Follow-
or benefits and why have only a small the fancy and the public accepted up efforts are then used to identify
fraction of the breeders actually used them without any understanding of the problem that fits their strategy.
it? Why are so many breeders not what they meant or what they were This step usually involves their critic
trained in the use of DNA testing or intended to do. Now, after more groups who are developing court
the techniques available for managing than ten years of use, they are still cases that will follow. Their use of the
the normals, carriers or affected undefined. For these reasons, it is law and the courts has already resulted
when they occur in their pedigrees? important to appreciate who creates in a negative and financial impact on
The animal rights strategy sees this the labels (change agents), why they hundreds of breeders and their dog
as opportunity. Their logic suggests are using them and what affect they clubs. Their efforts have been effective
that because there is widespread are having on the AKC, veterinary only because they are able to create
support for a technology they do schools, dog clubs, registrations (stud labels the community will accept.
not understand or use, the quality of book), and ultimately the breeders. In the past, it was only the like-
their litters is not likely to improve. minded groups within the animal
Thus, over time, a determination can By design, most of these labels rights movement that were able to
be made as to whether a breed and are left vague or never defined. This function as change agents. In the
its breeders are making progress and reduces the chances for resistance. beginning they were forced to use
thus, being “responsible breeders”. When catchy words and phrases negative incentives and the courts
Said another way, if quality pups are are linked to them, many ideas can to push their agendas. But over the
the goal, a responsible breeder can be be pushed to support their agenda. past 20 years they have effectively
measured by how they sells their pups. It is not just the general description learned how to use legislation and the
In retrospect, there is a lesson to be given them that gathers attention, it courts and the breeders to introduce
learned from this the success they have had convincing new changes in zoning, ownership,
simple logic breeders, their clubs and the writers
to use undefined labels. Whether this breeding rights, care and conditions
new label will follow in the footsteps etc. Typically they use the argument
of the others is yet to be determined. of "raising the bar". Sometimes they
But based on the past, it is safe to say call it "raising the standard". Today,
that we should take this opportunity when the term "puppy mill" is used,
to understand its potential. it quickly arouses a negative and
History shows that one of emotional response. More importantly
it demonstrates how one undefined
the earliest undefined label in the hands of a determined
labels targeted breeders group can manipulate the masses.
by calling them
“puppy mills". Catchy From the beginning, their goal
phrases were added was to control, limit and reduce the
to describe them ownership and breeding rights of
as irresponsible the breeders and those who exhibit
individuals who purebred dogs. Thus far, they have
owned dirty kennels successfully done both. What is
and carried out best known about their efforts is the
careless breedings. ripple effect they are having on the
This label was then gene pools of many breeds. This is
linked to a negative one of the most dangerous
form of animal aspects of this new label. The
cumulative effects they are
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