Puppy Farm Awareness Rally

[oakway]

I will never give up fighting puppy farmers and the sale of pups in pet shops.

I am a registered ethical breeder of pure bred dogs and I reserve the right to continue to do so.

Just never be hoodwinked by those that make out they are helping you.

I believe you are being hoodwinked and I will always believe that. Which is my right.

I have no more to say about the matter.

[Lhok]

I sort of wish I could go to the rally, to see first hand what it is that is being said.

Anyone who knows the story of Troy (written by Homer not the Forum master ) would be wise to always look a gift horse in the mouth.

--Lhok

[AnimalMad]

I'll be there! Bring one of the dogs who is best with crowds

[Nekhbet]

What is the difference between a registered breeder and a puppy factory (and how will I know)?

A registered breeder is registered with the Australian National Kennel Council and must meet certain requirements. A breeder will usually specialise in one breed and is also likely to be involved in showing that breed.

A puppy factory will not be registered with the ANKC. Many claim to be registered, but they are just a ‘registered’ business! The ANKC only registers ‘pure breed’ dog breeders. All designer dogs are cross breeds.

A breeder will be happy for you to visit them to meet the parents and the pups at their own premises, in fact most will insist. Puppy factories will not. If puppy factories who meet the legal requirements of minimum standards of care will not let you see their breeding facilities - they know that you will be horrified.

A breeder will know about their breed, they will be happy to answer your questions and are very likely to have plenty of their own. If you are suspicious, go home and do some research.

What’s wrong with cross breed dogs?

Nothing! Cross breed dogs are just as likely to make a wonderful pet as a pure breed. But because puppy factory dogs are mass produced and kept in isolated conditions until purchase, they have a high likelihood of suffering from behavioural and health problems.

Why are there health problems with pups from puppy factories?

Many breeds of dogs have conditions that they are prone to, such as hip dysplasia, chronic skin conditions, overshot jaws and heart murmurs. Good breeders test their breeding dogs for these conditions prior to mating. Puppy factories do not and, as they have no contact with the puppies once they have left the factory, they have no idea what genetic defects they are continuing to breed into these puppies.

Why are pet shop puppies more likely to have behaviour problems?

It has been known by behaviourists for years that the most important time in a puppy’s development is between 3 to 12 weeks and puppies isolated during this time (say in a glass box in a pet shop or cage at a factory) are much more likely develop behavioural issues than a well socialised dog.

In short - puppy factory puppies miss out on the two things that are known to help shape a good, stable temperament for later life; good breeding and many and varied positive life experiences before the age of seven weeks. As long as they're cute and fluffy, the factory farmer gets his money.

What happens to ex-breeding stock?

Dogs should not be bred every heat cycle as it is bad for their bodies. Puppy factory bitches are bred every time they come into heat, until their uterus prolapses and falls out of their body. Once the dog is no longer useful for breeding it is destroyed and replaced by one of her female pups.

Dogs rescued from puppy factories are often very difficult to rehome. They have known nothing but a cage their entire life and struggle to cope with the outside world. Many of these dogs can not be rehabilitated as pets and will be euthanased. The ones that are saved will need special care their entire lives.

The Oscars Law needs tweaking but the website encourages rescue and ANKC breeders. So it's not all cloaks, daggers and ulterior motives.

[Steve]

Hardly comforting- RSPCA definition of a puppy farmer includes those who are ANKC registered and private rescue are not let off the hook either.

Im not suggesting it is anything other than a need to know exactly what it is I'm protesting about before I join the protest.

Its not trying to cause anyone from Oscars law any grief or turn anyone off attending - it sounds like its going to be a worthwhile event.

There is much that is stated on this website Id love to have the studies for because we could use them in our fight against what we think puppy farmers are.

Some contradict some of the studies we have done and have looked at and there's some science which doesn't support what is being said.

It looks to me that Oscars Law is protesting against mass produced puppies - puppy factories - which I am also against - yet that is not what has been decided at a meeting attended by RSPCA Australia, NSW, ACT and Queensland, ANKC, Dogs NSW, MDBA ,AAPDB, Young Lawyers, AWL and Deathrow Pets and the AVA as to what a puppy farmer is.

My concern is that everybody is on the same page - so we all know exactly what it is we are protesting if we join you and that everybody watching knows what it is you are protesting about. RSPCA official definition of a puppy farm is anyone who breeds a litter of puppies - even one litter of puppies- whether they be ANKC registered or not who breed them in substandard conditions. It makes no reference whats so ever to how many they breed , whether they may own more than one breed [ fact is most of us do] whether they show their dogs [ fact is most of us don't] whether they have people at their homes inspecting their dogs and their property [fact is lots of us don't for a multitude of reasons].

If all you were protesting was battery farming of dogs or puppy farming [ according to the RSPCA definition] thats different to what else you may be protesting [which concerns me due to some things on your website] or the public may think you are protesting and that makes it important for me as to whether or not I want to be seen to be there with you.

If the speakers are going to speak about some of the things on your website then they will be speaking against some breeders who I would consider are great breeders.

[Stitch]

Obviously a good cause to be more aware of Puppy Farms and all that that phrase conjures up BUT have you all really read the thread in the 'In the News' section of DOL forums entitled 'Victoria proposed tougher pet breeding laws'.

Just make sure that when you push for one good cause you don't also put in place legislation that restricts the thing that we all support this forum for ie. the ability to breed & own purebred dogs.

[megan_]

ANKC breeders can be puppy farmers too. Laws should apply to everyone equally without fear or favour. I might feel differently if the AKNC really regulated registered breeders, made sure that they aligned to teh code of ethics and kicked people out when they didn't - but they don't.

Steve - can you please provide a link to where the RSPCA says taht anyone who ever breeds a litter of puppies is a puppy farmer?

[Steve]

ANKC breeders can be puppy farmers too. Laws should apply to everyone equally without fear or favour. I might feel differently if the AKNC really regulated registered breeders, made sure that they aligned to teh code of ethics and kicked people out when they didn't - but they don't.

Steve - can you please provide a link to where the RSPCA says taht anyone who ever breeds a litter of puppies is a puppy farmer?

The RSPCA didnt say that everyone who ever breeds a litter is a puppy farmer - the definition the RSPCA uses is that anyone - including someone who only ever breeds one litter CAN be a puppy farmer. The definition they use is that a puppy farmer is anyone who breeds a litter of puppies in sub standard conditions.

Then you need to ask what is standard and who is determining that.

[melzawelza]

Maybe i'm missing the point but you said yourself that the RSPCA's definition is people that have bred a litter in substandard conditions.

Substandard.

Maybe it is how they define substandard, but I personally have no issues with the above sentence. If someone is breeding in substandard conditions then yes, they should be affected by the legislation. And we all know that just being a member of the ANKC doesn't make you ethical.

[megan_]

ANKC breeders can be puppy farmers too. Laws should apply to everyone equally without fear or favour. I might feel differently if the AKNC really regulated registered breeders, made sure that they aligned to teh code of ethics and kicked people out when they didn't - but they don't.

Steve - can you please provide a link to where the RSPCA says taht anyone who ever breeds a litter of puppies is a puppy farmer?

The RSPCA didnt say that everyone who ever breeds a litter is a puppy farmer - the definition the RSPCA uses is that anyone - including someone who only ever breeds one litter CAN be a puppy farmer. The definition they use is that a puppy farmer is anyone who breeds a litter of puppies in sub standard conditions.

Then you need to ask what is standard and who is determining that.

I get your point - but unless people highlight the issue the RSPCA won't define substandard. There needs to be public pressure for something to actually be done. We all know that the RSPCA only acts on puppy farmers when shamed into doing so.

[Steve]

Maybe i'm missing the point but you said yourself that the RSPCA's definition is people that have bred a litter in substandard conditions.

Substandard.

Maybe it is how they define substandard, but I personally have no issues with the above sentence. If someone is breeding in substandard conditions then yes, they should be affected by the legislation. And we all know that just being a member of the ANKC doesn't make you ethical.

yes I think perhaps you are missing the point.

Im not unhappy about that definition I become concerned because clearly we are not all working on the same definition.

[Steve]

ANKC breeders can be puppy farmers too. Laws should apply to everyone equally without fear or favour. I might feel differently if the AKNC really regulated registered breeders, made sure that they aligned to teh code of ethics and kicked people out when they didn't - but they don't.

Steve - can you please provide a link to where the RSPCA says taht anyone who ever breeds a litter of puppies is a puppy farmer?

The RSPCA didnt say that everyone who ever breeds a litter is a puppy farmer - the definition the RSPCA uses is that anyone - including someone who only ever breeds one litter CAN be a puppy farmer. The definition they use is that a puppy farmer is anyone who breeds a litter of puppies in sub standard conditions.

Then you need to ask what is standard and who is determining that.

I get your point - but unless people highlight the issue the RSPCA won't define substandard. There needs to be public pressure for something to actually be done. We all know that the RSPCA only acts on puppy farmers when shamed into doing so.

No sorry - I was unclear. Standard is described in each state's codes of practice so there is no need for the RSPCA to define that any further. God forbid!

Im happy for public pressure to be there but first I want to know what it is exactly this rally will be applying pressure on and what they think is the solution. There are several things on their website which i wouldn't want being pushed any more than they already have been.

Edited September 9, 2010 by Steve

[Cosmolo]

There is need for further definition. Puppy farmers currently get away with not providing for an animals physical, psychological and socialisation requirements because its not written into the code of practice. Thats my focus.

I don't think registered breeders, private rescue or anyone else should be 'let off the hook'.

Steve can you clarify what information isn't in line with the science and provide links to any studies- i'd be interested in reading them

[Steve]

There is need for further definition. Puppy farmers currently get away with not providing for an animals physical, psychological and socialisation requirements because its not written into the code of practice. Thats my focus.

I don't think registered breeders, private rescue or anyone else should be 'let off the hook'.

Steve can you clarify what information isn't in line with the science and provide links to any studies- i'd be interested in reading them

Im running and cant for a while but in the mean time. You find me one single study which shows that breeding a bitch in good condition every season is worse for her than not breeding her.

[Natsu chan]

I think the other one that registered breeders are worried about is that it will be illegal to whelp bitches in the breeders house under the Code of practise. Given that whelping indoors is something most registered breeders do and means that the pups are better socialised when raised this way it's a bit concerning that the RSPCA will possibly be able to charge a breeder with cruelty to animals for doing so if this bill gets passed. There's also a lot of other things making breeders a bit anxious. Things like saying anyone with more than 5 dogs is a commercial breeder for instance. If you keep your old bitches you get up to 5 dogs quite quickly and really no one doing the right thing is going to be commercial with 5, even with 10 it's a stretch.

No one wants puppy farms but I don't think anyone wants to find that they can't buy a puppy at all when they want one either. There has to be a happy medium somewhere, that is all anyone is saying.

[Cosmolo]

I don't think Oscars law says you won't be able to whelp a dog in the house? In fact, i think thats the opposite of what they're trying to achieve.

[Steve]

What is the difference between a registered breeder and a puppy factory (and how will I know)?

A registered breeder is registered with the Australian National Kennel Council and must meet certain requirements. NOT TRUE - The ANKC is simply one stud registry.

A breeder will usually specialise in one breed NOT TRUE approx 50% of all breeders have more than one breed

and is also likely to be involved in showing that breed. Not true - only a small percentage of purebred breeders are at any time involved with showing their dogs.

A puppy factory will not be registered with the ANKC. Not true a puppy factory can be registered with the ANKC.

Many claim to be registered, but they are just a ‘registered’ business! The ANKC only registers ‘pure breed’ dog breeders. All designer dogs are cross breeds.

A breeder will be happy for you to visit them to meet the parents and the pups at their own premises, in fact most will insist.Not true a large percentage prefer NOT to have puppy buyers inspecting their homes. Puppy factories will not. Not True Puppy factories often have shop fronts. If puppy factories who meet the legal requirements of minimum standards of care will not let you see their breeding facilities - they know that you will be horrified.There are hundreds of reasons why a breeder may not want to open their breeding areas to the general public.

A breeder will know about their breed, they will be happy to answer your questions and are very likely to have plenty of their own. If you are suspicious, go home and do some research.

What’s wrong with cross breed dogs?

Nothing! Cross breed dogs are just as likely to make a wonderful pet as a pure breed. But because puppy factory dogs are mass produced and kept in isolated conditions until purchase, they have a high likelihood of suffering from behavioural and health problems.

Why are there health problems with pups from puppy factories?

Many breeds of dogs have conditions that they are prone to, such as hip dysplasia, chronic skin conditions, overshot jaws and heart murmurs. Good breeders test their breeding dogs for these conditions prior to mating. Puppy factories do not and, as they have no contact with the puppies once they have left the factory, they have no idea what genetic defects they are continuing to breed into these puppies.

Why are pet shop puppies more likely to have behaviour problems?

It has been known by behaviourists for years that the most important time in a puppy’s development is between 3 to 12 weeks and puppies isolated during this time (say in a glass box in a pet shop or cage at a factory) are much more likely develop behavioural issues than a well socialised dog.

In short - puppy factory puppies miss out on the two things that are known to help shape a good, stable temperament for later life; good breeding and many and varied positive life experiences before the age of seven weeks. As long as they're cute and fluffy, the factory farmer gets his money.

What happens to ex-breeding stock?

Dogs should not be bred every heat cycle as it is bad for their bodies. Puppy factory bitches are bred every time they come into heat, until their uterus prolapses and falls out of their body. Once the dog is no longer useful for breeding it is destroyed and replaced by one of her female pups.

Dogs rescued from puppy factories are often very difficult to rehome. They have known nothing but a cage their entire life and struggle to cope with the outside world. Many of these dogs can not be rehabilitated as pets and will be euthanased. The ones that are saved will need special care their entire lives.

The Oscars Law needs tweaking but the website encourages rescue and ANKC breeders. So it's not all cloaks, daggers and ulterior motives.

If part of what this rally is standing against is as above the fact is that is approx 50% of what I would classify ethical breeders. Some of the best breeders I know would be eliminated.

much of the rest is based on guess work and speculation and not with studies to back it up. Its stuff thats been pushed by animal rights and adopted as factual.

Edited September 10, 2010 by Steve

[yellowgirl]

ANKC breeders can be puppy farmers too. Laws should apply to everyone equally without fear or favour. I might feel differently if the AKNC really regulated registered breeders, made sure that they aligned to teh code of ethics and kicked people out when they didn't - but they don't.

....

Maybe i'm missing the point but you said yourself that the RSPCA's definition is people that have bred a litter in substandard conditions.

Substandard.

Maybe it is how they define substandard, but I personally have no issues with the above sentence. If someone is breeding in substandard conditions then yes, they should be affected by the legislation. And we all know that just being a member of the ANKC doesn't make you ethical.

There is need for further definition. Puppy farmers currently get away with not providing for an animals physical, psychological and socialisation requirements because its not written into the code of practice. Thats my focus.

I don't think registered breeders, private rescue or anyone else should be 'let off the hook'.

....

Wish I could be there. I've put links to the Oscar's Law website on my Homepage and Links/Rescue page, also put another link to OL's 'Gallery of shame' which has pictures of puppy farm dogs and conditions.

I do agree with the Steve's comments in red in the previous post. I'm very supportive of the concept of Oscar's Law but I did think the same as Steve when I read that page... only because I know that some registered breeders are no better than puppy farms, and I'm concerned that an actual puppy farm business is able to be registered with the ANKC and can advertise itself as a 'reputable breeder' due to its registration.

[HugUrPup]

I'd like to go to the rally but it's my sons birthday that day.

[Nekhbet]

NOT TRUE - The ANKC is simply one stud registry.

I think their point was it has a code of ethics for its breeders

NOT TRUE approx 50% of all breeders have more than one breed Not true - only a small percentage of purebred breeders are at any time involved with showing their dogs.

Thats why they said usually and likely.

There are hundreds of reasons why a breeder may not want to open their breeding areas to the general public.

But breeders usually send puppy photos do they not? Of clean environment/whelping box?

Not True Puppy factories often have shop fronts.

They say why not to purchase pet store pups below

Oscars law is not what the government is planning. The RSPCA simply decided to hop onto this rally and subject to get attention as usual. As for registration with the ANKC, they have a duty of care to monitor their own members as well. If they have a code of ethics it is up to them to enforce them as much as the council laws officers should enforce current legislation.