[Nikki+2]

Originally Posted by wildcard

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.

I agree with education too but it isn't working because honest people with good intentions can be conned by those they view as more knowledgeable. As far as dogs being property... true, that is how they are viewed legally. There is plenty of legislation in place on property though. There is actually plenty of legislation in place on our dogs. For example in my state I would be in legal trouble if I left my dog chained outside. In many places (surprisingly not all) you can not choose to have a sexual relationship with your dog. Obviously you can not beat your dog. Until it was legislated otherwise, you could put your dog on the garage floor and castrate him with a knife and no anesthesia- and some people did. You can not chose to fight your dogs. I doubt any of us think these are unfair legislation. When people stop protecting animals, the government steps in. I can't think of anytime that has been detrimental. It usually has to be at a critical point before it's even looked at. Most legislation in place regarding animals is in place to protect the animals but legislating breeding protects animals and the humans that suffer due to bad breeders.