The only thing to help the overpopulation of cats and dogs would be mandatory spay and neuter laws and their enforcement. Make the fine high enough that it's cheaper to have your pet altered. If you want to breed get a license. Require standards to be met. INFORCE the standards. No reputable breeder or pet owner should have a problem with this. If you make the fines high enough that the local governments see they can make money they may go for this. Yes, some rescues are a bit ridiclous with some of their rules but unless you work with them you have no idea what the volunteers and the dogs go through. We use our vacation and sick days to take care of a puppy with giardia, to bottle feed a 4 day old puppy knowing it's chance of survival is slim, to sit on the floor with a puppy mill dog for 4 hours until it trust you enough to let you pet it. Last month alone I'm out $1000 in vet bills that won't be reimbursed. For 1 dog alone. If people would foster a dog they would understand. They would also get the joy of having an abused dog grow into a trusting dog that instead of hiding under a chair will climb on your lap because it now knows it is safe and will be welcome |