Why Do People Feel The Need To Breed Their Pets?
By pyewacket
@pyewacket (43903)
United States
March 13, 2010 9:00pm CST
Okay I might stir the wrath of some people and ruffle feathers, but why is it people who have pets feel the need and allow their pets to breed on purpose? I've been trying to get the point across to someone whose pedigree cat is now in her first heat and has plans to allow her female cat to breed and claims she already has interested people willing to adopt the kittens. I don't care if the animal is a pure breed or not, the point I was making to the person, or at least trying to, is that for every pet allowed to breed, one is taking away the potential of an animal from a shelter from being adopted. And how does one know that this person will only allow her cat to breed just once? The person might well find herself stuck with litters and litters of kittens if she allows her cat to continue to breed many times, and what guarantee is there that the person will find homes for ALL the kittens when they are born?
All shelters are overflowing with unwanted pets and many people can find pure breeds if a person so desires such a pet. On a weekly basis, many animals in the thousands in shelters are put to death especially in the high kill shelters, and many who are in shelters that still use the gas chamber or heartstick method of "euthanizing" die an agonizing painful suffocating death...many of the animal groups that I belong to on facebook are making our voices heard to ban such methods of killing. But even when unwanted pets are euthanized humanely, that is by lethal injection,there are STILL a lot of unwanted pets killed as there just isn't any room for them. I'm working on an article about the gas chamber/heartstick method of killing unwanted pets and even have seen horrific videos of the process being done--it's NOT a pleasant sight to see.
To my mind people who are "breeders" of pets are no better than the puppy/kitten mill breeders who breed animals by the hundreds, the animals are often kept in deplorable conditions and often sickly due to the female animal being allowed to breed over and over and over again and most of the litters wind up for sale in pet shops and once again take away the potential of unwanted pets in shelters from being adopted.
Sorry for my rant, but this really ticks me off...If a person really wants a pet, whether cat or dog, kitten or puppy GO TO A SHELTER, and adopt there. One can find many purebreeds, but the point being give an animal in a shelter a chance for a forever home and NOT wind up being killed due to lack of space.
Oh...watch this video...no it's not graphic but it makes a good point here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l26IDg3JZI0
5 people like this
20 responses
@blue65packer (11826)
• United States
14 Mar 10
People just don't get it! They think if they breed thier pets they will have no problem giving the litters away! They seem not to believe there is no or little unwanted pets in the world! I think this so called breeders should go to a kill shelter and give them a wide awaking! Maybe then they will fix their pets! If not people like us should give them a good shaking and a slap on the face! Hopefully they will wake up then!
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
14 Mar 10
Yes there's no guarantee that all the kittens or puppies will be adopted. I tried to make this point to the person until blue in the face...LOL...just not listening to what I was saying
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
14 Mar 10
THats awful
BUt breeders are going for the money more than anything also for the dog shows to win that prize. not sure about cats . DOnt know if the have cat shows or nor.
Shelters here charge way over $100 to adopt a pet when ya cant afford that you look somewheres else.
and I hate to say it but cats seem to produce as fast as ribbits.
I wouldnt beed one unless I had a market for them and get the money out of them wouldnt be giving them away it would be a good business when ya can sell them.
Real breeders make big money doing it.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
16 Mar 10
actually it's cheaper to adopt from a shelter. Breeders can charge into the thousands on the other hand depending on the breed so think this person is just in it for the money and not the welfare of the cat...and yup--they have cat shows too
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
16 Mar 10
oh yes they in it fir the money! for sure.
I got my White Fang form a breeder papers and all Cheap for the black around the eyes wasnt complete. COuldnt have bought him if he didnt have that defect loved that dawg. American Spitz.
An other one daughter got a chow chow she got cheap but didnt know what was wrong for several years took him and his son to a vet and the vet said that he wouldnt be able to have puppies had only one testical. ok LInda pointed to the other one and said this is his son !
Vet was taken a back step and shook head but we then knew why she got him so cheap!
1 person likes this
@highflyingxangel (9225)
• United States
15 Mar 10
I'm not sure myself. It is annoying. And, it's also a lot of preconcieved notions about breeds. For instance, someone told my mother that her dog has to be breed at least once because not breeding her is a really bad idea. So she was convinced for the longest time that her dog had to be bred once and I kept telling her that was simply not the case but it's hard to convince people otherwise.
1 person likes this
@highflyingxangel (9225)
• United States
23 Mar 10
Sadly my mother is pretty gullible so it's easy to convince her of things that are not true and that others know otherwise, but you know how that goes. I'm glad she's not considering it now. It makes life easier.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
16 Mar 10
I hear that myth all the time that it's "better" for the animal to have at least one litter before fixing...just not true and you're right just try and tell people that though
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
17 Mar 10
then you have the breeders that throw away "mutants"..(not saying this person is one)..but anyway,that's how i got my russian blue-as a polydactyl,the guy considered him worthless...and threw him out to starve(oh yes,i reported his cattery).
i've never liked the idea of "pedigree"-95% of mine have been mutts,a lot of pedigreed animals i've come across have had health problems.
but to go back to the question-i've run into people who think a pet isn't complete without having at least one litter,they feel they're depriving them of something.
i guess they've never been to an over full shelter to see the consequences.
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
20 Mar 10
i'm kind of like that,i prefer poly's..but i take whatever comes.
poly is just a plus.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
20 Mar 10
Years and years ago, my mother adopted a orange tabby kitten...no one wanted him since he was polydactyl --if you remember Hemingway would ONLY have polydactyl kitties. Yes pedigrees are more prone to health problems than mutts--and each breed usually has one inherited health problem
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
16 Mar 10
There are many purebreeds in shelters though..mostly from litters of dogs that were bred and then no one wanted to adopt so they're shoved in shelters
also shelter animals are in a sense cheaper to adopt. One can get a purebreed dog at a shelter for maybe $100-$200, while a breeder can charge thousands
also shelter animals are in a sense cheaper to adopt. One can get a purebreed dog at a shelter for maybe $100-$200, while a breeder can charge thousands1 person likes this
@trish59 (39)
• United States
14 Mar 10
I agree with everything you stated. I am an owner of 5 dogs, 2 which are pedigree but I chose to spay them for the fact that if I bred them and something happened to them in giving birth, would devastate me. I do not need to breed any of my dogs because there is always some one else that is breeding. I worked as a vet technician and for example we had a gentleman that was a breeder of great danes, every 6 months he was breeding his female. Within the 2 years I worked here the female finally passed, and before we knew it he had another litter brought in 2 have dewclaws removed, he went right out and got another female to breed!.The only good point was we were able to see how each puppy was doing as the people bought them and brought them to the office, we could watch their growth. People see pedigree and see $ signs. I could have sold my one dogs puppies for $1800.00 a piece, but I chose to keep her alive and be a little less rich.
1 person likes this
@vivasuzi (4127)
• United States
15 Mar 10
We always got our pets from the Humane Society. I wish more people would stop going to pet shop and breeders :( The trouble is, as long as there is a market for pure breeds, people will keep on breeding them.
I agree there are a lot of pets out there already dying for a home. People have a misconception that only animals at shelters are old or something is wrong with them. My last dog was only 1 when we got him from the shelter. Sure he was a mutt, but he was the cutest mutt ever :) Who needs a pure breed?
Hopefully your message gets through to someone.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
16 Mar 10
LOL--I've never had a purebreed cat...all the cats I've had and have would fit in the category of "mutt" too or the "American Domestic Shorthair" and some I got at shelters others right off the street and they had the best temperament going
@recycledgoth (9894)
•
14 Mar 10
I'm completely with you hun, There are thousands of unwanted animals taken to shelters each year, and thousands more left to fend for themselves on the streets. I cannot believe anyone who seems deliberately obtuse about breeding a cat purely because she's in heat, they just don't seem to understand do they. I would much rather ensure my pet is spayed or neutered, healthy and happy, rather than add to the already overburdened shelters.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
16 Mar 10
Some people are even under the belief that it's "healthier" for a pet to have at least one litter before fixing...this is such a myth...either way it contributes to more pets in the world who may not be adopted
@sumofalltears (3988)
• United States
14 Mar 10
I understand your rant, but I for one don't totally agree with it. For one thing many people will not go to a pet shelter to adopt because they have to pay a fairly large amount of money for a pet they they have no clue about where they came from and how they have been treated and if they have any diseases. the shelters in this area do not have kittens or puppies and most people want young animals that they can bring up and train.
People who take kittens or puppies from someone they know are not the kind of people that will go to a shelter to adopt an animal. The unwanted animal problem is a huge one, but you just can't force people to adopt animals. People that are looking for their first pet are a lot less apt to go to a shelter, unless they are animal activists.
I think that a better way of controlling the population would be to provide free sterilization services for animals owners. There is a cat shelter here that does that and it has helped the problem a lot.
1 person likes this
@vivasuzi (4127)
• United States
15 Mar 10
In addition to animals from shelters being quite cheap, they also have rules to follow. They are supposed to tell you full disclosure as well as take care of the shots and such. The shelters also screen animals so if one is violent they won't let kids adopt it, or other things like that.
Your friend down the street has no such requirements. They don't have to get them the proper shots because no one is regulating them. They also don't have to tell you if one of their newborn puppies tends to bite.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
14 Mar 10
Actually that's not true...animals from shelters can be adopted from anywhere from $50 to maybe $100 and most often if it's a large shelter, like an aSPCA will include in the adoption fee, free spay/neuter --whereas a pet bought from a breeder can be several hundreds and up depending on the breed--for instance a purebreed Husky from a breeder can go for up to $2,000, a Yorkie from a breeder can go for $800 to $1,200...so that's cheaper?????
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (168112)
• Boise, Idaho
14 Mar 10
Well, for one thing I think I heard some place some years back that it is better for the animal to let them have one litter before they are fixed. I think alot of it is money because alot of people have to have the papers on them. And some are bred over and over for prestigue and such too. It goes back to democracy and people have the right to do what they please but I hope they atleast think alittle about what you have said and try to see it from the animal's standpoint. Too many people think of what they want only and are very selfish when it comes to what is best for the animal. I think people like you are gifted in letting people know what the behind the scenes story is and what goes on. I thank you for that.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
14 Mar 10
No that's a real myth about it being better for a pet to have a first litter, also there's this whole article about the health benefits in getting pets fixed before or during their first heat and can often times reduce cancer risks in pets--here's the article
http://ncrottierescue.net/html/spay___neuter.html
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (168112)
• Boise, Idaho
14 Mar 10
That is good to know. I think it may be a very good sell to know that they can actually be better companions if spayed or neutered early on. And that their pet would be healthier as well. Thanks for the link.
1 person likes this
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
16 Mar 10
I adopted my new cat from a shelter; it was the first time I got an animal from there and after my experience and seeing the pets there looking for homes I know for sure now that I will adopt there again. A friend of mine was looking for a kitten recently and I suggested she go to a shelter but my friend thought that was a terrible idea because she wanted a ‘pure’ breed Siamese worth hundreds of dollars that had to come with the appropriate papers. She wouldn’t hear of an ordinary cat, it had to pure Siamese. She ended purchasing a kitten from a breeder for $400 and then proceeded to let it wonder outside and has almost lost her twice. We almost had an argument over this because I was saddened about how little she cared about the kittens waiting for homes in the shelter and the fact that they may be killed just because no one will adopt these gorgeous babies! Who cares about pure breeds? They are all so beautiful with their individual personalities... Needless to say I agree with you wholeheartedly and I am tempted to send my friend the link to the video!
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
20 Mar 10
I sometimes wonder why people are so determined to have purebreed animals anyway. Many breeds usually have some kind on inherited health problems that show up more than in "mutts" or mixed breeds, that is maybe part pure breed and part non pure breed. I would have argued with that woman too about her carelessness about taking care of her cat
1 person likes this
@quita88 (3715)
• United States
14 Mar 10
Hi Pye, I didn't watch this video cuz I figured it would break my heart.
I TOTALLY agree with you. Allowing a domesticated animal to breed is taking away homes for animals who need homes by loving people.
I have two dogs and two cats who are all loving animals and do not have a pedigree but that doesn't stop them from loving me and me loving them.
I choose one cuz she had been abused and needed a home from a humane society.
The other three choose me :)
Talk to your friend and /or take to her to a shelter and let her see that she is going to allow the production of animals that our world is too full of now.
She really needs to have that female cat spayed now if she is in heat. They do do that and it's best for the cat and any babies that might over ride the house , the barns, the streets where they most certainly will run over, etc.
Even the homes she says that are going to take the future babies might not be the best for an animal.
It breaks my heart to see stray dogs and cats that could be loved and should be but some human didn't have the decency to fix their animal.
Ok, now I've ranted:(
God Bless and good luck with your friend,
quita
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
14 Mar 10
It's not a bad video, believe me I've seen a lot worse but it makes a good point. Well the person isn't even a friend but a member here and came across her discussion...but she's totally missing the points I'm giving her about so many unwanted pets being shoved in shelters and that by breeding a pet only adds to the problem
1 person likes this
@quita88 (3715)
• United States
14 Mar 10
I am sure it isn't a bad video but my heart breaks when I see animals in need.
I would take in every one of them if I could.
Yes, if she is allowing her cat to breed she is missing the point. It's cheaper too to have the cat spayed now rather than wait till several litters have dropped and no one wants the cute little kitties anymore and they have to be fed or allowed to go hungry.
Then what happens?
Well, pooh, we've been over this before. I so hope she pays attention.
Yep, breedng a pet only adds to the homeless animals we have today.
I am glad you told her too.
Maybe she will pay attention---who knows?
But you did what you felt was right and I am proud of you!
God bless,
quita
2 people like this
@cerebellum (3863)
• United States
14 Mar 10
I agree with you. If someone wants a pet they should get one from a shelter! I watched the video and I thought it was very good. Upsetting, but true! You really couldn't miss the point being made!@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
16 Mar 10
More people should see that video...never recall seeing it on the TV though...they should to reach a wider audience
@kaylachan (71502)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
15 Mar 10
Its basically all about the money. Some people only think of the proffit they would gain from the sale of the kitten or puppy, and not of anything else. And, while shelters are overflowing its a compeaters market. Most people want animals that are fresh and they know where its been. Where as shelters take in animals off the street. And often cost more to cover for housing animal care and shots. its just interesting on what some people will do for a "pet".
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
16 Mar 10
Not really..meaning animals in shelters aren't necessarily ones taken from the street, most are former pets that just aren't wanted by their owners anymore for whatever reason--kind of sad when you think of it
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
14 Mar 10
I don't know why Pye and I hve known People to just get a certain dog/cat so that they can breed them
In my eyes no matter what the breed is if you really love the Love Animal you will not put an Animal through all that
If it happens by accident ok you have to deal with it but to literally let them breed all the time shortens their life's because it weakens them
I also disagree with showing Pets I mean to me it seems that these People only have their Pets to make money on them
It is not fair on the Animals they should be aloud to enjoy their Life's without all this carry on
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
15 Mar 10
I'm against the pet shows to, I mean the only one really benefiting from them are the owner's and their vanity to have "best in show"--it all comes down to greed and money and not thinking of the welfare of the animal
@moondancer (7433)
• United States
15 Mar 10
I think everything has a right to have one birth. It many times calms an animal down to do so.
I have not allowed all of mine to have a birth though. If we spay and neuter all animals then the species will wither and die. That of course is my feeling on that subject.
I have let a few of my animals have a birth. Mainly because I wanted a child of theirs. It was close to the time when one would be leaving me, like my rottweiler for instance. I'd love to have one of his babies if I had not gotten him neutered. He now has cancer and they said he might have 2 months with us...that was 1 month ago. I know my children all would love to have a child of his as well.
I had two cats and 1of them was the motherly type and the other a tom boy. I wanted the motherly one to have babies which she did.
I do know that there are many animals in shelters. I have gotten many from there. In fact 3 of the ones I have now are all rescues. Even though I have papers on two of them. Ninja is one of them.
My baby was not from a shelter and I have papers on him. He is not neutered. My neighbor has a beautiful little girl just like him and we will breed them when she is in season again. It will be her first birth. I don't know if I'll let him breed with my boy more than once though. As there are so many animals out there that need homes.
My little one was from a breeder and he had 4 moms in his 10 months before I got him. That is what happens when irresponsible people get the babies and unfortunately this happens.
But too there are also many responsible people that get them too. But if everyone had the thought that all animals need to be "fixed" then sooner or later the breeds would die out.
@moondancer (7433)
• United States
17 Mar 10
Thank you dear. I do agree with you. I have personally helped to shut down a few of these puppy mills. When I lived in California I turned a man in for having one and being cruel to his females. I took the one he said could not breed any longer and my children and I gave her lots of love and attention...which was something she never got from him.
He had all of his females chained to their box they stayed in where they could just move a few feet, literally!
I told him I was taking the female and that I was also turning him in to the humane society and anyone else that would listen. Within a week they had a full page write up in the paper about his puppy mill and it being closed down and about my tip alerting them to his practices.
I also turned in one here. The one that my youngest one, Jackie came from. He was not mean to his but they lived in plorable conditions and pens that were so nasty and they got no attention. He was supplementing his SSI income.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
16 Mar 10
aww I'm sorry to hear about your rottweiller
The problem as I see it though too many people breed their animals just to get money and I feel that's a bit greedy, then of course you have the puppy mill situation where female dogs are forced to have litter after litter after litter and are kept in horrible conditions...in fact, thankfully, more of these mills are being shut down--most female dogs in these mills live only two or three years as there systems become weakened from having so many litters..that's just not right for the poor animal
The problem as I see it though too many people breed their animals just to get money and I feel that's a bit greedy, then of course you have the puppy mill situation where female dogs are forced to have litter after litter after litter and are kept in horrible conditions...in fact, thankfully, more of these mills are being shut down--most female dogs in these mills live only two or three years as there systems become weakened from having so many litters..that's just not right for the poor animal
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
14 Mar 10
I don't have a problem with responsible breeders, because not all breeds would still exist today if no one bred their animals...especially cats. BUT I really don't like people who breed their animals "just 'cause". If it serves a good cause, or purpose, and if it doesn't negatively impact the world around you...I have no problem with it. I don't mind people catering to the rich who won't accept any other kind of pet, say, or people who adopt as much as they breed and use their work with animals to fund animal rights groups...or breed an animal for farm work.
Problem is, most people DON'T think. Most people aren't smart...and we really do need alot more awareness on this issue.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
15 Mar 10
I still maintain though for every litter of kittens (or puppies) born is taking away from an animal in a shelter being adopted and there are usually plenty of purebreds in shelters
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
14 Mar 10
pyewacket you bring up some facts I had not thought of and I am a cat lover. I hate the knowledge that many cats and kittens are killed simply because nobody adopted them. If I could afford the one hundred dollars more rent here I would adopt a cat, but I cannot.but those who can reallyshould get their pets out of the shelters and save the poor little creatures from being killed, and dying horribly painful deaths. Iimagine if enouth people get together to protest this something may be done for this horrible problem? How can I get on an animal group? Is there anything I could do from here to help?
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
14 Mar 10
Are you on Facebook? There are a LOT of pro animal groups to join there and we're all hoping we're making a difference and voicing our opinions. Some people are more active than others and do actual rescues say getting out and transporting animals from kill shelters to homes or to other rescuers...then a lot of us sign petitions like crazy
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
14 Mar 10
That's such a false statement.....sorry, but there are many pure breed dogs shoved in shelters unwanted since owners allowed their pets to breed ....not a good excuse in my mind-----in fact many pure breed dogs or cats have MORE health problems due to genetic issues
