Backyard Breeders Contributing to the Pet Overpopulation Crisis in America According to Animal Welfare organizations, Backyard Breeding may be for breeding of dogs for illegitimate reasons, such as for the usually illegal sports of baiting and dog fighting or to defend venues of criminal activity. Animals advocate believe that such ill-practice are the reason for the bad reputation of some breeds in the public perception, and the resulting breed-specific legislation. _________________________________________________ Backyard Breeders Of the more than 50 million dogs in the United States, two-thirds come from backyard breeders (BYBs). Motivated by a quick buck, BYBs breed available dogs by ˜accident or convenience, typically without knowledge of breed specifics and without concern for the dogs health. How to spot a BYB. Backyard Breeder “ breeds available dog(s) for quick sale, with or without adequate care for the dogs (and puppies) health. Irresponsible/Puppy Mill Breeder “ breeds a large number of dogs, usually purebred, with little or no care. Responsible/Reputable Breeder / Hobby Breeder “ breeds a small number of dogs, usually purebred, with adequate care. Broker “ sells dogs not bred by the seller. Shelter/Rescue “ adopts out dogs that have been relinquished by the owner or found astray. BYBs seldom refuse a purchaser and offer no pre-sale testing for diseases and/or genetic abnormalities. Most have limited knowledge of the puppies parental lines, use make-shift housing and provide no health guarantees. Seldom will a BYB offer to take a puppy back if the purchaser can no longer care for that puppy. As the puppys age becomes less desirable, BYBs may reduce prices for quick sale. To garner sympathy, BYBs sometimes pose as rescue groups, but do not provide puppies that have been spayed/neutered or contacts for the new owner to obtain such services; most charge amounts exceeding what would be required for vaccines and primary veterinary care. Who regulates a BYB? Currently, no one. While larger breeding operations may be registered with the American Kennel Club and possibly subject to inspection by state agencies (such as the Department of Agriculture), most backyard breeders operate undetected. Where cities do not restrict the numbers of animals owned by residents, BYBs are not in violation of the law. Even cities requiring kennel registrations for hobby breeders can miss a BYB who is confining their animals indoors. Other than reporting the income derived from a cash transaction typically without contract or receipt of purchase, backyard breeders have no enforceable reporting requirements. A number of cities have introduced Mandatory Spay/Neuter (MSN) legislation in an effort to prevent backyard breeders from worsening the pet overpopulation crisis. Despite provisions in the proposed legislation to exempt responsible breeders and animals with medical conditions preventing spay/neuter, MSN has been met with fierce opposition. This opposition comes not only from potential hobby breeders who may someday seek to breed their purebred animals, but also from responsible animal guardians who did not wish to force an unnecessary surgery upon their companion. HOW TO STOP A BYB . Report what you see and demand change. While training, licensing and inspection is required of other money-making enterprises (hairdressers, contractors, food service, etc.), most cities have no laws aimed at persons selling the offspring of their pets. Not only is this unfair, but it is dangerous when considering the hazardous and unregulated conditions that may exist in a BYB environment. Petitioning local government to require licensing, regulation and/or (at the very least) reporting of all animal sales is a solid first step.
Posted on: Thu, 27 Mar 2014 21:18:05 +0000
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