[Mom2BabyNatalie]

Originally Posted by bjh

Mom2BabyNatalie....you make a good argument but statically, as breeders if we really screen our puppy buyers and withhold papers until proof of spay/neuter is provided I doubt very few would ever end up being bred. When you read about all the health problems that can come from early spay/neutering I wonder if potential puppy buyers would want to buy a puppy neutered at a very early age and risk having to deal with all those possible health issues the rest of the dogs life. I think I would think of the health and welfare of all the puppies in the litter.JMHO

I understand and totally relate to what you're saying... personally, if I were the one purchasing a new baby, that would be one of my sincerest concerns and I would definitely wait to spay / neuter until a little later in life.

But again, I know you mention "withholding papers", but anyone who is immoral enough to violate a contract in the first place... probably isn't going to concern themselves with whether they have papers or not... you don't need registration to "make a buck".... especially with use of "a cute dog" for breeding "designers"...

On the other hand... the wonderfully responsible, well meaning, loving new pet owners.... have "accidents" every day... "oops matings"..... and there they are with babies asking you if an "accident" is a "violation of contract"... fact is, what are you going to do about it now?

I do completely understand both viewpoints.... but also have to agree with Woogie Man's "damned if you do, damned if you don't" statement....

As well, I'm anxious to see the response to "do we now consider this in what makes one an ethical breeder?".....