I believe in education and economic pressure. The information is out there re: choosing to adopt shelter animals, rescues, or how to find a good dog breeder. But human nature unfortunately operates a lot on whim- as in gee I'd like to have dog because my neighbor's dog is so cute, I am going to get one this weekend.". So off they go to the nearest pet store or person breeding whatever to whatever that runs an ad in the Sunday paper. We need to keep trying to reach those people, to educate them that a dog is not a spur of the moment decision or desire that needs to be immediately fulfilled. We have lots to do on that level, lots of outreach which I know many all breed dog clubs are trying to do via their shows and Meet the Breed events etc. I just cannot agree that you can legislate away this mentality, and as long as it exists there will be producers of dogs to fulfill it.
One of my neighboring district's representatives is always pushing puppy lemon laws because his wife ran out and bought.a puggle from some nasty place that then died soon thereafter. He is an attorney and frankly 5 mins of internet research re; how to find a happy, healthy pet could have made all the difference. I just can't agree to legislate away what are property, due process and privacy rights because consumers won't educate themselves. The mills would be out of business in 6 months if people would just do their homework before buying a dog. |