Workers within Animal Rescue Organizations Personal Animosity towards Breeders

BulliesofNC

Workers within Animal Rescue Organizations Personal Animosity towards Breeders

 

Lately I'm seeing more and more breeder bashing being posted on social networks and forums. It's become apparent there are many people involved in animal rescue and adoption that have a true hatred towards breeders regardless of their reputation, passion towards the breed, and efforts towards ensuring permanent, appropriate, and loving homes are found for the puppies they sell.

I have to admit, I've been negatively approached on Facebook on two separate occasions from personnel that are involved with animal rescue. They both verbally attacked without merit or cause. Their goal is to attempt public humiliation towards any breeder by falsely accusing them of breeding for the mere fact of making profitable gains on the sale of puppies without the concern of the lifelong welfare of the puppies sold. These accusations towards any and all breeders are usually unjustly assumed and without true merit. I'm know that many personnel that work for animal rescue agencies are very kind hearted people who aren't ignorant like the ones that seem to troll social networks and forums looking to raise cane with any breeder possible. However, for the ones that deliberately instigate controversy with any and all breeders for the sole purpose of making them look like "bad guys" for breeding is absolutely absurd.

I can relate to some of the animosity that emanates from rescue workers that have negative opinions towards breeders. After all, there are many breeders who aren't breeding healthy quality dogs and once the sale is made they have no concern about their future welfare. I will also agree that this is a major problem throughout the country. However, those breeders who are breeding appropriately are very much against those backyard breeders and puppy mills that are breeding for the mere aspect of financial gain vice the production of healthy top quality pure bred dogs that complement the breed standards. With this said, both disgruntle rescue workers and professional breeders are on the same page. The only difference is, many of the rescue workers don't differentiate between a reputable and professional breeder from a puppy mill breeder and carry the same resentment towards all breeders.

Regardless of the animosity from some animal rescue workers towards breeders, I actually have the utmost respect for those that dedicate themselves towards the rehoming of animals that have been discarded by their original owners. I'm thankful there are shelters for these animals and the aspect of finding permanent and loving homes for these animals is possible. I understand also that the amount of animals that get adopted from these rescue shelters is something that each individual wishes to maintain at a high level as it shows the state that their efforts are productive and investments into the shelter aren't going to waste. It seems as though when the kennels get filled and more and more dogs are euthanized it's due time to strike out at all breeders that can found and chastise, belittle, and condemn them. Having a shelter full of mutts, mixed breeds, aggressive behaved dogs, health issued and unhealthy dogs and other issues suddenly becomes the fault of all breeders and when they can't find homes for these dogs it obviously builds resentment towards breeders. It's almost as though the breeder bashing is a tool used to help persuade the minds of people looking for a pet for their family and realize many people with big hearts will in fact feel guilty for buying a pure bred dog vice rescuing a dog from a shelter.

Here's the hard truth that animal shelters don't want to hear:

90% of the dogs that end up rendered by an owner to a shelter are there because not one of their relatives, friends, neighbors, or coworkers wanted their dog. Every person they knew, as well as the people who met their dog, did not wish to adopt him or her. Factually a dog that is well behaved, healthy, and a joy to be around isn't a dog that's hard to find a loving and permanent home for especially those dogs which are pure bred. Unfortunately animal shelters are abused as dumping grounds for dogs that have aggression issues either towards people, kids, or other animals. Others may be in need of costly medication for health issues. Many will also have some type of negative personality disorder or quirk that requires extensive training. Some of these issues are the fault of the owner due to neglect and proper care of the dog. These individuals should never owned a dog to begin with and most likely purchased the dog on a whim without a huge financial commitment. How many times have we seen someone at the side of the road or parking lot at Wal-Mart selling Pit Bull puppies from the back of their car or truck with a card board boxing saying "Pit Bull Pups - $300." Many of these puppies will in fact end up at shelters. For those with big hearts that are looking to adopt a dog will find out quickly when they visit their local animal shelter that most of the dogs have serious issues and the cute puppies and adult dogs they saw advertised online, TV, etc are nowhere to be found. Many people looking to adopt a dog would rather look through their local newspaper at the ads for "Free dog to loving home." This is a good way to meet the owners and truly get a feel of how the dog acts in his or her own environment that they are comfortable with. This is obviously another great way to do a good deed by adopting a dog and giving it a great new life. Many would rather go this route verse gamble with adopting a dog from a shelter that will still charge you money for the adoption.

So why are people buying puppies from breeders vice adopting a dog from a shelter?

For starters, many people now a days are conducting thorough research for reputable breeders who are producing quality dogs that are free from genetic disorders and health complications as well dogs that have proper temperament and character. To many, these are very important attributes that they wish to have when bringing in a dog to become a welcomed family member. The aspect of raising a puppy as early as 8 weeks of age also provides them with the reassurance that the dog will be well socialized and trained properly by themselves. People also like to spend time with the parents of a litter to get an idea who they are in regard to temperament, character, health, structure, and conformation. This provides people with a lot of confidence on what to expect from a puppy from the same bloodline. The bottom line is many people are looking for a pure bred dog that holds pedigree value for the reputation that bloodline has historically earned. Not everybody is willing to take a gamble with a full grown adult at a shelter that was dropped off because the original owner didn't have one person they knew that wanted their dog. It's a fact most dogs at the pound are mutts and weren't bred with any attention or professionalism to ensure the offspring were going to better the breed in any way. Even if a pound or shelter had a gorgeous full grown purebred Doberman, Boxer, German Shepard, etc available for adoption doesn't mean a family looking to adopt a dog would feel comfortable about putting this dog in their home with young kids. Let's face it, people who are adopting these dogs are taking a chance at how well that dog is going to act and react to someone's family members, neighbors, other animals etc. Some do not wish to take those chances. Yes, the shelter will claim to give you an assessment of the dog's character and temperament but unless they've lived with the dog for a substantial amount of time they are only making an assumption. They make no guarantees and usually have you sign paperwork which doesn't hold them legally responsible for any negative actions from the dog they're adopting (or selling) to you.

The common approach from animal rescues and shelters is to make people feel guilty for buying a puppy from a breeder when so many adult dogs and in need of adoption. It would be the same mentality to make people feel guilty for having their own child when there are so many children at orphans looking for a home. Maybe you should feel guilty for buying a new car when there are an overwhelming abundance of used cars available that may be older but with a little attention, maybe a little money, and some time to invest in them they could be good as new. So what if the used car isn't as reliable and you have no clue about the way it was cared for and treated. Just do the right thing and get a used car instead of a new one and if you did buy a new one you should feel bad that you did so. Yes, I know I shouldn't be making comparisons like this but I'm actually not trying to make a comparison I'm simply trying to point out the mentality of two subjects and the way people think about them. With this said don't attempt to quote me on the comparisons when they were used only to open your eyes to a way of thinking. I think there are plenty of good dogs to be found at shelters that need good homes. Unfortunately there are a lot more dogs with serious problems at these shelters as well as those that may very well be euthanized if a proper home cannot be found for them. The overwhelming occurrence of this happening is unsatisfactory and things need to be changed to prevent it. However, the answer isn't to stop all breeding until shelters are free from animals. The problem needs to be resolved by imposing strict state laws on breeding. Yes, I said it right -  Very strict laws on breeding. Here are my suggestions to dramatically decrease the volume of dogs being rendered to shelters:

- All Breeders are to be screened, licensed, and abide by an outlined strict guide of regulations.

- All Breeders receive unannounced annual visits to ensure regulations are being adhered to and all animals are properly cared for.

- All Breeders who are selling animals and receiving money for them will actually be registered as a business and claiming taxes on the sale and income of their puppies just like pet stores do. (Something almost every breeder tries their best to come up with excuses as to why they don't.)

- All Breeders must microchip their dogs and puppies so their information will permanently be affiliated with the dogs they produce. This way all stray dogs or dogs forfeited to a shelter could be tracked back to the breeder who at that time would be responsible for the dog.

- All Breeders will be required to conduct strict contracts on the sale of their puppies which dictates that under any circumstance that the puppy they sell should ever require to be rehomed that it be returned to the breeder who will take full responsibility for finding it an alternative and permanent home.

- All rescue shelter and pounds be provided a listing of local licensed breeders. Breeders of the particular breed that was rendered would be called and expected to take on the responsibilities of sheltering the dog and finding an appropriate home.

- All mixed breeds (mutts) would be required to be neutered or spayed.

- Any individual found to be guilty of breeding without a license or having an "accidental" breeding would receive a fine by the state.

These are just a few ideas that would make a huge impact on the problem we have in our country in regard to an overwhelming abundance of unwanted animals filling up our rescue shelters and pounds. Until new laws are written we will continue to have this problem and the answer isn't to bash all breeders. The answer is to regulate them and enforce strict guidelines and regulations.

This is a long post but I one I feel is well warranted based on all the resentment I see towards breeders on so many forums and social networks. There's even a Facebook page called " I Hate Dog Breeders" which has absolutely zero tolerance for ALL breeders regardless of their passion for the breed they develop, the reputation they've earned, and the professionalism they have as breeders. They are a hate group any way you slice it. Here's their website - http://ihatedogbreeders.wix.com/i-hate-dog-breeders. They aren't the only ones pushing to stop all dog breeders. Do some research and you'll see plenty. However, you won't see too much talk about what they're doing to change things and improve the problem with all these abandoned dogs and other animals. I think if you spend 5 minutes reading some of the things written on theses websites and social sites you'll easily see the stupidity and slander that caused me to take the time to write this post. I'm not expecting that everyone will agree with all the things I've said. However, I'm confident many of the things I brought up will be agreed upon because I speak truth and facts and I speak with years of experience as a breeder. Yes, I am a breeder. I breed English Bill Terriers. I can't lie to anyone and say I'm ashamed to be a breeder of a breed of canine I love so dearly. However, if you were to google "Bull Terrier rescue in NC" you're sure to see our website come up first on the page, above all rescue organizations. That's because we dedicate ourselves with rescue efforts as well. As a matter of fact, try researching the availability of bull Terriers for rescue in the state of North Carolina. I'm not trying to pat myself on the back for how many Bull Terriers we've rescued and rehomed over the years but I am planting the idea that something we're doing is effective and I'm confident if all breeders maintained this standard we would no longer have this animosity between rescue organizations and breeders.
Best of all we would enormously minimize the amount of homeless animals as well as the growing number that are euthanized.

Now go hug your dog and be thankful there was a breeder out there that helped make it possible for him or her to be a part of your life.

Leslie

I am on the fence about my breeder experiance and if im thankful to them but I will hug my dogs and am gratefull I have them:)!!

xchairity_casex

Just a few weeks ago someone on one of my forums im on started in about "evil dog breeders" how to breed a dog is to kill hundreds of others in shelters.

the problem is people, too many people think the world is black and white and refuse to see it in its entirety.

if rescueing shelter dogs is good, then breeders MUST be bad...

no, BAD breeders are bad, GOOD breeders are good. just like people automatically assume rescue orginizations and shelters are all 'good" when thats deff not always the case either!

people just do not use there own brains to make up there own minds about anything, they dont move out of there comfort zone.

BulliesofNC

Leslie - I'm not trying to stick up for all breeders and I know nobody should have gone through what you did. But you're the exact type of owner breeders hope to find when placing their puppies to loving homes. However, there are plenty of really good breeders out there who set their goals on the development of healthy well tempered dogs that owners cherish and respect.

xcharity_casex - You said it right: "no, BAD breeders are bad, GOOD breeders are good." It's too bad many of the people working in rescue organizations didn't understand this.

I'm sure there will be many that read this that will disagree with some of the things I wrote and many others that won't even like the topic but it was just something I simply wished to publicize and exploit.

Zerlett

What some people dont seem to realize is many BREEDERS rescue dogs. And many breeders REQUIRE there puppies be returned to them if they need to be rehomed. How can some breeders be part of the problem when they are part or the solution?

xchairity_casex

Exactly Danielle! if EVERYONE bought a dog from a GOOD breeder like that and they had to re-home it and just gave it back to the breeder- voila! it would fix most of the problem!

xchairity_casex

Also wanted to say, while on the topic of rescues/ shelters, i have been finding out that most Bull Terrier rescues WILL NOT adopt Bullies out to homes with cats or other small animals, which i find absurd.

if taken the time to train them they can be VERY good around other pets, my dogs live and interact with my cats, my rats and when i had my button quails they interacted with those to! it took time, Cesar used to try snapping and grabbing my button quail thru the cage and when they got loose, but i worked with him and worked with him to the point that if i bird got loose he would stand about 3 feet back away from it and jsut watch it, i would even let him stick his face into the cages to pick out there eggs to eat.

 

Zerlett

Rescuing dogs is great, and owning a rescue is great. I have owned and rescued many rescue dogs over the years, they need our help too. But getting a puppy from someone with knowledge of the health, temperament of the parents is very rewarding, and helps get your and the new puppy off to an amazing start. Often times rescue dogs are "projects" and very uncertain. Many people have other pets or children and simply can not take the risk. I have had several people tell me they are happy and thankful in regards to the article on my site that says we always take our puppies back and we will rescue, it really helps show a difference with us in comparison to just your average joe selling pups. That is my goal, how can i differentiate my self from other breeders in a helpful and enlighten way.

Your right Steve, I had a chihuahua mix and a pit bull mixed with english pointer and when i fell on hard times my sister took them for me and wouldnt give them back!! Good dogs are EASY to rehome.

BulliesofNC

Attached below is another example of the ignorance I deal with as a breeder. This one was from a woman named Tracy Davis Wall. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracy.d.wall

philsergeant

It's like blaming the guns for the moronically irresponsible people that abuse them.... When will they understand that the majority of the problem lies with pathetic owners that are responsible for dogs that end up in shelters... ?? whether they can afford the $4000 that she sights in her example or not..... she deserves to take note of one of my many bumper stickers.....

Boyda

I don't understand how the breeder is at fault (I'll just say a reputable breeders)? Where do the owners fall into place? They are the ones abandoning the dogs.

Stoeger

Steve's point of view is if the breeder does their best and sells the pup to best home possible, if  things end up not working out, then the pup or dog by then is returned to the breeder.

I think a lot of these pathetic owners who end up rendering their dogs are mostly at fault but it is the breeders responsibility to offer to have the dog rendered to them if for any reason they can no longer care for the animal.

Whether they're breeding mutts, designer or pure-bred. All breeders have that responsibility, apparently few take that responsibility. Even less offer rescue for the breed they choose to produce.

I have no doubt the breeder we got Stoeger from would take him back if we could no longer care for him. That situation could probably only happen over both my and my girlfriend's dead bodies... Because we chose a time in our life when we could devote the proper resources, time and care to a puppy.

Unfortunately, I don't believe most puppy purchases are conducted in such a manner and most are impulse buys or Christmas gifts.

Steve must be commended for his EBT rescue efforts. For there not to be ANY Bullies in need of rescue in NC is damn impressive and speaks highly of his devotion to what's best for the breed. I know the same can not be said of the breeder we got Stoge from, he offers rescue and has re-homed Bullies in the past but there are quite a few in his state that are in need of rescue. Maybe he doesn't have the means to rescue them all, which I would assume most breeders do not. Again, that just shows how incredible Steve's commitment to rescue is. No NC Bullie left behind!!!

BulliesofNC

Thanks for the kind words Stoeger. Many don't see how much we dedicate to the breed and even during the times when we conduct rescues and adoptions we don't even make note of it to the public. As a matter fact I conducted both a rescue and adoption yesterday.
I received an email yesterday morning from a gentleman that, due to his health, needed to find a home for his 3 year old white female Bull Terrier. Her name is Venus and she's a lovely Bullie that is in perfect health and has no aggression problems towards adults, Kids, dogs, or cats. She has been spayed and is up to date with all shots.
Knowing I had someone in the SC looking for a white Bull Terrier in the semi-local area I knew I had a good fit for an immediate adoption. This person had a previous rescue that lived 12 years and only wished to adopt a Bull Terrier just like he did before. @Leslie - The gentleman I'm referring to is Wallace, the one that wanted to adopt the other Bull Terrier but location posed a problem.
Anyhow, both the original owner and Wallace are very happy at how things turned out for Venus. She is in good hands and another rescue and adoption was accomplished behind the scenes at Bullies of NC.

Stoeger

It's great to hear that you're still at it Steve and I'm sure all involved thanked you many times!

What a great service you offer, Venus got what all Bullies deserve, a forever home.

Stoges_mom

I think it's great as well! We only have so much space here but when we get a bigger place that we own I would love to provide a bullie with a forever home!

Leslie

@Steve, he finally got ole whitey!! My hats off to you as well.

BulliesofNC

Would you believe I got a call from Wallace last night stating he was so happy about getting this Bull Terrier that he mentioned it to his doctor during an appointment that day and his doctor advised against it stating that due to his back condition he would not be able to lift the dog if he ever needed to. He went on to say he would not be able to control the dog either if an incident occurred requiring any form of back strength. With this said he called the woman back and said he would not be picking Venus up today as planned. I was under the impression he had left to pick her up the day they both spoke. It seems like every time you think you've found the perfect person and perfect fit for an adoption something unusual comes up preventing the adoption from happening.

Stoeger

This is just another example of how difficult it is to re-home a Bullie. Just when the perfect home may have been found, things can do a 180 degree turn. I still commend Steve on his efforts. I'm sure he will eventually find that beautiful girl a great home.

Leslie

Uugggg!!!! Your kidding bummed for you. Are you still takening her in??

BulliesofNC

Yes, I'm just waiting to hear back from the owner.

Leslie

With no aggression issues hopefully she nice and easy to place for you. Just curious since these rescues charge big fees do you recoup any of your expenses you have into rescue?? When I'm able I am thinking of doing rescue instead of getting buying another. I really enjoyed Savannah and she was easily a foster fail for me. My thoughts are rescue without charge though.

BulliesofNC

Actually Leslie I don't entertain the "Rescue" agencies that wish to charge ME a fee for taking in the Bull Terrier, caring for it, and finding an appropriate home. Every place around here understands that's it's ME doing them a favor since in reality I'm helping them do their job.
Most often though, Bull Terriers around here do not end up in shelters. Any owner with a Bull Terrier that takes a few seconds to look up "Bull Terrier Rescue in NC" finds our website right away. 99% of the Bull Terriers we've rescued come from the owner contacting us not some other rescue agency wanting to charge me money for taking over their responsibility to shelter, care, and re-home a rendered Bull Terrier. 
As far as finances, I guess I chalk that up as a loss in regard to the expenses invested but I think I gain more in pride and preservation of the breed which is worth more to me than anything.
Often the people who come here for the possibilities of adopting a rescue that I may have available will insist on taking a donation during the time of approved adoption. Needless to say, unless the particular Bull Terrier is in need of ongoing medical attention the expenses involved are minimal. It mostly consists of travel time to pickup the BT and then normal everyday care like my other Bull Terriers receive. The BT that come in with skin problems are normally cured of that dilemma quickly from just the change of diet they receive while in my care. 
As long as you have the proper facility to ensure the dog can be easily cared for without any worries dispite what his or her bad habits are you won't have difficulty. More often than not, rescued BT's usually come with some sort of negative trait that has prevented the owner from finding a home where he could give the dog to a family member, friend, or neighbor. Often the BT will either be dog aggressive, Hyper and out of control, or suffers from a high stress and anxiety disorder. This is why foster homes with no facility to manage dogs of this nature are not always the best idea for the individual and the dog.

[Deleted User]

Very nice set up Steve

Leslie

Yours and my thoughts on rescue are very similar as I would be doing it for the dog as well, not the money to be made. I wouldn't have the publicity for people to know I would be willing to do this in my state but I'm sure I could get word around. That isa very nice setup you have and I would stive to have the same once Im able to properly be able tocare for the Savannahs out their in need of retraining:) food for thought on my part, and again thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience!!!

BulliesofNC

Leslie I hope that one day you fulfill this goal. I think you'd be an asset to the Bull Terrier community and I think you'd have a lot of fun with the Bullies you took in and rescued. Best of all, the feeling you get when an adoption has been made is priceless. I get feedback all the time from those that have rescued a BT from us showing photos and bragging about their wonderful BT. It's an awesome feeling. I guess this is why when negative feedback from rescue groups verbally attack me my patience for their ignorance is slim.

Leslie

Thankyou Steve for the vote of confidence. I hope to make a difference when I'm able. It certainly takes all kinds to make this world go round those that are just jealous of what you have accomplished and those who just like throwing stones in glass houses. I learned long ago I will never make everyone happy so at the end of the day I have just one person to satisfy and that's me. I am my own biggest fan but also my biggest critic. But I sleep well at night, and for those that wish to put a responsible breeder down with the love and compassion you have are one of two of these and I would guess jelousy at the reputation you have have and deserve would be the reason your so targeted on occasion as it puts you head and shoulders above most and a byb that doesn't posses these qualitys it just pisses in their wheaties you not only breed responsibly but you clean up others messes to bad they don't admit that!!!!

Stoeger

You Bullie-Fosters might wanna read the story of Zara Prentice Brown and her Bullie Buddy on FaceBook. Quite touching and incredible. It can be found on the English Bull Terrier fans unite! page...