[jencar98]

Originally Posted by starsmomma

But I have a heated debate question. I would really like everyone to stay civil and on topic. Just wondering about some things to educate some people I know. They have come up with very legitamite concerns in an ethics class I am taking-would like some viewpoints and please keep it honest.
1. What makes a rescue a rescue? When does it become okay for a rescue organization to discriminate the breeds they rescue? What about all of the other strays or homeless animals that need homes?

A rescue exists when the primary function of the group is to remove dogs/cats from a miserable life and place them with loving, responsible homes. There are many breed specific rescues as there are many all breed rescues. And, not all can be be saved, but to not try and save the ones we can would be a shame.

2. What is the difference in a rescue organization and a broker? (Calm down). Is it not true that rescues often go to auctions and buy dogs for cheap and then turn around and sell for profit, not much, but still profit.
They will often take dogs from breeders as well, which then furthers the cycle of more breeding. A broker resells a dog with nothing in mind but profit. If an auction dog is purchased by a rescue it is with the intent of removing the dog from breeding cycles and a life of misery, and never is a "profit" made. Funds are always used to care for medical needs of other dogs that exceed the average cost. The breeder surrenders I've taken in have been turned into the city shelter and would be euthanized if not rescued by us. The breeders don't care if the older ones are rescued or not, they are done with them, regardless of what happens to the dog.

3. Would a "true" rescue be in the business to shut down auctions and puppymills instead of "rescuing" these animals and selling them (I am having a hard time differentiating this and being a broker). I am talking about screaming and YELLING, petitioning lawmakers, raising h#$%! Most rescues I'm aware of also do work with legislation trying to shut down the entire operation. Unfortunately, the pet business is large with many lobbyists too. Until the public is made aware and insist upon change rescue group alone can not change the laws protecting pet sales and breeding.

There are legitimate expenses that go into running a rescue-spay/neuter costs, medical care, vaccinations, food/shelter, GAS money. But where does a rescue have the right to charge 300 for a dog when there are dogs in shelters that need loving homes as well for 50-60$. Most of those shelters are publicly funded shelters and have vets volunteer their services and rescues do not have this advantage. If rescues left all dogs to the shelters to try and place many more would be PTS than are currently.

All I am asking for is honest viewpoints and some justification. I appreciate honesty and civility. Just raising questions and would like to see some answers with knowledge base that can be taken to class and discussed. If this is not the place, just let me know. I don't want anyone upset.

I've seen what happens to the dogs at auctions that don't sell. And, more often they are breeds you would never believe didn't sell, brussels griffons, Italian greyhounds, chihuahuas, poodles, etc. It's sad, but it's not possible to save them all.