Vulnerability and Courage – Discussing Animal Welfare

By Debra Vey Voda-Hamilton, Esq./Mediator

Many readers of this column may also follow Pure Dog Talk hosted by Laura Reeves. This podcast focuses on topics of interest to the purebred dog community. Laura recently held a podcast with Craig Curry of Protect the Harvest. In their time together Craig and Laura discussed the value of commercially breeding purebred dogs. Show breeders should see commercial breeders, according to Curry, as allies. To put it bluntly, this suggestion is a hot-button topic among established breeding societies. Laura showed both great courage and vulnerability by bringing this topic to her program. As a top breeder, she exposed herself to criticism for even con- sidering discussing the topic of commercial breeders let alone having show breeders align with such facilities.

However, as the discussion unfolded, Craig Curry informed the listeners about changes in commercial breeding and the need for continued reform that will result from the help of breeders like Laura. As a protector of the breed she loves, Laura’s vulnerability showed when it came time to grasp just how a commercially-bred dog would meet her breed standards. Between health testing and temperament selection, a dog bred by a show breeder should be the best of the best in her kennel. That is not always the case in a commercial kennel. First, they may not have access to the best examples of a breed. Second, testing beyond what is required by law is un- necessary to a pet producer. Third, these tests are too expensive for a commercial breeder to find feasible for his/her bottom line. Yet, these health tests and selection criteria are the most important part of a show breeders’ breeding program. They are the minimum standard from which to choose a stud dog or brood bitch.

Three things stood out in the Pure Dog Talk podcast:

First: The conversation was about the welfare of all dogs.
Second: It was handled respectfully and peacefully.
Third: Laura kept an open mind and Craig was not pushy.

The discussion unfolded naturally. As each participant raised questions and learned/shared new information, they treated each other with respect and appreciated one another’s point of view. This did not mean they agreed. It simply meant that they were listening and absorbing the information for further contemplation.

Short URL: http://caninechronicle.com/?p=135180

Posted by Alex on Nov 21 2017. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.