Dog show fans to PETA: Leave Westminster alone!

Back in December, the BBC announced that it wouldn't air the Crufts dog show because of concerns over purebred dogs' health.  Earlier this week, we told you that PETA is asking the USA Network, which broadcasts the Westminster Dog Show every February, to follow the BBC's lead and discontinue coverage of America's most prestigious dog show.

We suspected a lot of you would take issue with PETA's premise: that breeding dogs for the show ring locks in genetic defects that, it argues, plague "as many as one in four purebred dogs ... with a serious genetic problem."  But we were surprised by just how vocal you were: More than 300 of you have commented on the story so far. 

Some of you agreed with PETA.  Christine said, "I think it would be great if the USA Network dropped this show. Let's do a special on the USA Network about all the adorable shelter dogs available!"  And Carl S chimed in, "PETA is spot on. The AKC is about money and human arrogance, not about what's in the best interest of dogs."

Most of you, though, said the show must go on.  "It is a total misconception that mixed breeds are more healthy than purebreds. Responsible breeders routinely screen for health problems. A mixed breed dog has no such testing and can inherit problems from many ancestors," said Janet.  And Purebred dog lover mused, "We are now in an era with the animal rightists trying to destroy and discredit breeders of purebred dogs. It must be duly noted that there are no health statistics kept on mixed breeds, just on purebred dogs. Who knows how many mixed breeds die of disease or breed problems gotten genetically from their mixed parentage?"

--Lindsay Barnett

Photo: USA Network

Comments

[Bobbie]

I wish more Dog Shows were aired on TV. Then maybe people would be better educated on where and from who to buy a puppy. Most breeders work hard to produce the best puppy of their breed that they can and they certainly do not do it for money. I like the idea someone else presented that PETA should spend their money helping pets that are in the shelters except for the fact that shelters are importing dogs from all over the world so they have something to sell to people who want dogs.

[Cathy Moore]

I am Chairman for Seattle Pug Rescue and I also show pugs. Last year we took in 122 Rescue pugs. ALL were from either poor backyard breeding or puppy mills. We NEVER see pugs from responsible show breeders. Our reputation, time, money and lots of love go into the show dogs and pet dogs we place. We know where they all are and we check the homes out. We also take them back if the family situation changes.
Our dogs love watching Westminster and so do I. On the 2nd day they are waiting for me to turn the set on for the final B.I.S.
We all know what PETA did to those poor puppies in the south after they were spayed. THEY PUT THEM TO SLEEP and threw them in different dumpsters!!! They misrepresent and cover up what they really think and do to animals. PETA may fool many about their work so they can get donations , but word is spreading about what they are really about.

[SA Hebert]

I am 100% in favor of having the Westminster telivised.

[linda rees]

Please do not take the Westminister dog show off the television.

[Carol Stegavig]

Who does PETA think they are imposing their choices on us. Owning and breeding purebred animals promotes responsible ownership the same as do zoo's and aquariums. If it wasn't for places like this people wouldn't have a clue as to the lives of all these animals. I for one have been on the of our local SPCA and still raise and show and train purebred dogs. I still promote the welfare of pound animals yet I still prefer my purebred dogs. I have owned numerous animals including dogs, but don't think it should be PETA's choice what I do. I currently have 2 SPCA dogs and 4 SPCA cats so LAYOFF PETA. You think you are the only ones who truly care about animals but you don't tell the world the whole truth about your organization, and all the animals that you eventually kill either.....
JMHO.
Carol

[Amber]

Peta wants no dogs bred on the basis of the number needing homes. The same theory could be applied to humans as long as there are children who need adopted or fosterd.
Give peta their way and the next thing will be a ban on having children.... think about it.

Peta does not have the animals best interest in mind they want them in isolated unpopulated areas roaming free. With the growing world population there will be no isolated wild areas. Domestic animals rely on humans to care for them, the majority would not survive in the wild. People need to learn what peta is really about and stop falling for the warped presentation they push. Use your mind and stop joining the borg!

[Lori Jones]

Responsible breeder believe and support animal welfare, Peta believes in Animal Rights. It appears that the group does not support human rights. The dog show should not be pulled by the networks, it provide money into the economy, a mode of education, and enjoyment for a family. I have no desire to bash PETA, they have been successful in destroying themselves, basically by the negative approach to getting their message out. Whatever that message is. Haven't figured that out yet, since it changes so frequently. Ignorance is bliss, accounts for all the happy PETA PEOPLE.

[Loretta]

The Westminster Kennal Club Dog Show is an event as prestigious as the Kentucky Derby. The dogs shown at Westminster are bred by people who love and care about these dogs.
USA please continue to televise the Westminster Dog Show.
PETA is inhumane and unethical. At a local American Kennel Club Dog Show- PETA people lurked and threatened to open the kennels of the fdogs so they could "run free"-and be killed on I-95!!!!!! Now is that ethical treatment!!

[Helene Neer]

I am a breeder and exhibitor of champion French bulldogs. I do not attend Westminster, but certainly applaud those who do, and I always watch the proceedings on USA. Televising Westminster gives people an opportunity to see beautiful, groomed, loved and well cared for dogs of every breed. The announcers take good care to explain the qualiities and characteristics of each breed, and I am certain that this is beneficial for those looking to acquire a family pet.

In the past I admired PETA for their efforts on behlaf of animals, and with so many endangered domestic and wild animals, it seems to me that their efforts might be well spent in pursuing abusers and abandoners of animals and leave the dog fanciers alone. For the most part we are decent people who breed and show for the love and improvement of the breed.

There are so many puppy millls, pet shops, importers and other torturers who should be harrassed by PETA. They need to get their priorities in order.

Helene Neer
Petit Motif French Bulldogs

[Semolina Diaz]

Please change the wording....they are Animal Rights Radicals! It is none of their business if I choose to own and breed dogs...soon, when you are no longer able to enjoy a hamburger or a BLT because those animals have rights, don't say we (breeders of animals) didn't tell you so....

[dixiearrow]

Responsible breeders participate in health screenings and make sure that health issues are not passed on. They also TEMPERAMENT TEST, which assures that a dog with a bad temperament is not used in their breeding program, and also helps to match their dogs with the right families. I have been involved in whippets for eight years. During that time, I have learned about the good works of the whippet health foundation and whippet rescue. In fact, all purebred dogs have their own rescue. PETA, on the other hand, does NOT rescue dogs. Rather, they take dogs from shelters on the PRETENSE of finding them homes, then methodically euthanize them in the backs of their vans and dump them in the city dumpsters. Read the story in this link:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/06/23/EDG11DC9BK1.DTL

So why does the public not know of PETA's terrible secret? Why does this not make the national news? Why do people still give to this awful organization? Because they have not been routinely exposed for their lies and deception.
Laws need to be written to protect the responsible hobby breeder while zeroing in on the puppy mills and the backyard breeders. THAT is where your defective dogs come from. Those people, who routinely abuse their dogs by keeping them in squalor and forever pregnant, deserve to be in prison. The responsible breeder views each dog as a member of its family, and works to better the breed.
PETA can go take a flying leap!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Noreen Cartwright]

If/When LA Times does a special on shelter dogs, please be sure to address the number of dogs brought into the US from OTHER COUNTRIES in order to fill the EMPTY runs at those shelters. Not to mention those that are smuggled in.
These dogs have and are bringing diseases and parasites with them that are new to the US!
Its ironic that responsible dog people have done such a good job that shelters are now importing dogs in order to stay in business.

[Dave D]

I belive that we need to keep our pure bread thier is nothing like a pure bred pet.We also need to show the world the finniest animmal in the world.I would always buy a pure bread from a reptabel dealer they make the best pet money can buy and you know what to expect from your pet. proper Vet. care and feeding will let your pet live a long and healthy life and develope into the bread that he or she is.We dont need all this negivness or this do gooders involvment leave us alone. from a dog lover.

[Shannon]

Please know that supporting PeTA means denying any type of pet ownership! Even if you don't like purebred dogs, you obviously love animals if you rescue. Once the purebred dogs are off the map, they'll go after all other means of owning and loving a dog. That means our beloved rescues as well. There will be no way to share your life with an animal of any kind. We need to stop PeTA before they take our liberties. Read about their hidden agenda before supporting or siding with them.

[Teddy Furlong]

The AKC is going to continue these dog shows so what good comes from taking them off the air? It just prevents the people who cannot attend from seeing beautiful dogs being well handled. PETA should be concerned with the what is ahppening to wild animals who are in far more danger than show animals or household pets and try to put their efforts into saving them from extinction.

[Ruth Nagarya]

PETA doesn't know how to "act" responsibly, why would you consider their input? IF they truly looked at AKC dog breeders that specifically breed to obtain a show dog (they better the breed). You would realize the extent the breeder MUST delve into the line and they only breed once every 2-3 years RESPONSIBLY. It is the "designer breeders" that are causing extra dogs NOT show dog breeders. READ the post above that states what a responsible breeder is, I don't believe PETA even knows (or cares) they just want cheap publicity.

[Debra K Bouderra]

This is such a sad day when PETA gets this kind of attention. I have bred and showed West Highland white Terriers since the 1970's, and Westminster has been a part of my life, even as a child. The people of PETA have no idea the sleepless nights, tears shed, when a litter or puppy goes wrong. They have no clue about what it takes to be an animal lover, and responsible breeder, or rescue person. To love any animal as if it was apart of your soul, even if one comes down with cancer or another disease,. The sleepless nights the owners give to the care of there pet, along with the tears shed when one passes away. People who support PETA do not belong in todays society. I am also a Pro Dog groomer. I see people and there pets daily. So much love, when the pets owners return to pick them up. The animals are so excited, to see there human counter part. What about that! Dogs Have been called mans best friend for a reason. PETA is not an animals best friend, more like its worse nightmare. I called USA Networks and asked them to air what PETA really is about. They can do it very easily. The answers are all over the net, and there own words speak against them. When an orginization like Peta speaks out of both sides of there mouth, its easy to discredit them.

[Corinne Meservey]

I have heard that the members of PETA, if they had their way, would let all animals just live their lives as if they were in the wild.

No proper food, medical care, etc. Just live life as it comes. How non responsible is that?

As a Owner/Breeder of AKC Show dogs, I like to think that I give my dogs the best of everything, mostly love and care.

[PETA Kills]

AKC is irresponsible and does actually support puppymills in order to get the registration fees into its coffers, BUT PETA actually KILLS pets and works hard to take away rights of responsible pet owners.

[jordan]

To say "There are no responsible breeders" is to demonstrate a frightening ignorance of the world. Anyone can say anything, make any random statement. Educate yourself, think for yourself, look at the issue and think of the dog's needs, what all dogs want more than anything else--not to lie by our sides passively, but to DO things with us. Purebreds are carefully selected to do specific things with people.
For all the negative statements made about the "bad" characteristics of purebreds, think of how carefully dogs are bred to help man. I could not go to the pound and get a service dog because I couldn't be sure the dog could be trained to do the things my German Shepherd learned so easily. If I need to herd my goats in and out of a pasture every day to keep them grazing and healthy, I can't go to the pound and pick out any pup to raise it to do that. I would get a purebred dog from the herding group, specifically a dog bred from herding parents. If all I wanted was a dog to love on, I'd get a mutt like a labradoodle or goldendoodle or bugle or whatever I found. That would fulfill my selfish needs to have a substitute child that would never recognize its potential. But my dogs have jobs that make us very close, and fulfills them in a way just petting them wouldn't do. They don't get bored, lonely, and lie around all day waiting for me to fulfill MY needs; we work together and they are calm and happy because I consider their needs. A dog is not a toy you can pick up from the pound at random and play with until you get tired of it. Every dog has a brain that needs to be used, a function that needs to be realized. Mutts can be trained do to many things, but when you need something specific...well, imagine if you were lost somewhere and in danger, and there was no bloodhound to search for you. No border collies to help herd sheep for ranchers. No labs to walk patiently beside wheelchairs and carry books in backpacks for the disabled. PETA has a frightening agenda that the media loves to take seriously but I have faith that people like Betty White and Mary Tyler Moore simply don't understand that their genuine love for animals is being used for an agenda that is set to destroy all dogs. Get rid of the purebreds, and force all shelter dogs to be neutered, and then where will your next generation of dogs come from? THINK, put it together, and you'll realize the consequences of a simple thing like trying to do away with the Westminster.

[John Levell]

Funny that in the name of being "humane," PETA and like minded organizations are in fact working toward the dehumanization of humanity. The bond between mankind and dogs dates back to before the beginning of recorded time and is, in fact, one of the few things (along with the use of fire and written language) that separates humans from the rest of the animal kingdom. If anything should be banned from the airwaves, it is the blatantly inaccurate and sensationalized advertisements of PETA and its cronies. Garnering support via misleading statistics, selective misinformation and outright lies should be viewed as nothing less than criminal behavior in any truly enlightened society. To those supporting this insane cause, please determine what is missing from your life so you can stop meddling and interfering with mine.

[Christina]

I have to side with the show supporters. The dogs do enjoy "working", and most of the breeders are ethical, do applicable testing prior to breeding and avoid misuse of inbreeding. IMO, dog breeding should be standardized, and breeders should have to carry an earned license in order to breed. Pet stores should be banned from carrying pets, and puppy millers should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law pertaining to pet abuse, neglect and unethical breeding activities.
Don't even get me started about PETA. Animals should not be exploited or abused, but animals were put on this earth for our enjoyment, we are a team! And as long as we treat them with the respect they deserve, providing them with boundaries, discipline, love, food, shelter and exercise, why shouldn't we be able to enjoy their company in our lives? That is just crazy talk from PETA. The system is flawed because good people end up targeted and the bad ones seem to escape judgement and accountability.

[Rottie mommy]

I am an avid animal rights activist without the fanaticism. I also exibit rottweilers in the conformation ring as well as carting, tracking, agility, rally obedience, obedience and all of my dogs are therapy dogs. I am also a staunch supporter of rescue groups. I think that PETA has totally lost focus of what is really important here. Why not focus on puppy mills, and backyard breeders, and people who are breeding designer dogs. Aren't designer dogs simply mixed breeds in which the local animal shelter is full of designer dogs. These people simply "breed for greed" and this is where most of the health problems with purebred dogs as well as mixed breeds originate. At one dog show I attended, across the parking lot there was a "puppy sale show" where "breeders" were advertised. Where was PETA? I know where the dog show people were, and how many people tried to get someone to help these animals.
I was a vet tech for 8 years and saw a multitude of mixed breed dogs being produced and being given a "cutsey breed name". These puppies were then sold for as much or more than "show quality".Many of these people continued to breed dogs with hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, genetic disorders, unstable temperments, and dogs that were so far away from the breed standard, I had to ask what breed a cocker spaniel was one day, whom was pregnant with puppies. All of these dogs either had AKC paperwork, or paper work from "sham" organizations that will register anything and represent legitimacy to an uneducated and misinformed public whom simply keep perpetuating unhealthy dogs to"get what they paid back" or "make some extra money". Now I ask you, who is really the problem here, the breeder who carefully screens and does an in depth research into pedigrees, only sells dogs on contract to people whom have good references, with a first right of refusal clause, or the designer dog breeder, the puppy mill, or back yard breeder.

[DogDude]

You peta advocates are so full of ignorance you quite possibly could choke and die from it. Real purebred breeders put so much money, research and time into breeding quality dogs with regards to health, temperament, structural integrity, genetic qualities and dispositions that most offer guarantees. Does the shelter guarantee your dogs hips for the first year to three years of it's life. I have bred German Shepherds for years, a breed that is allegedly prolific for having hip displasia and have never had a single dog that I have kept or sold become displastic. I have had 6 mixed breed dogs. Loved everyone of them. I have had the 6 largest accumalitive vet bills on my mixed breeds. All 6 died of cancer. Imagine that. I have had many times more pure bred German Shepherds. I have yet to loose a single one to cancer. Knock on wood. I am not saying I have not had vet bills just nothing anywhere near the sort of bills like I had with my mixed breeds. I don't think with those kinds of numbers that it's just luck. Puppy mills breed many mixed breed dogs that fill our shelters. Peta needs to focus on them.

[Phyllis Williams]

PETA has gone the route of most Fanatical organizations and no longer makes sense but actually does much harm to the animals they originally started out to protect. As a long time show person, I know that the conditions most show dogs enjoy are great. The sport of showing dogs is a way of developing not only the best of your breed, but establishes a wonderful bond between the dog and handler. Showing this on TV lets people see and appreciate this sport.

[Randall]

Peta is about eliminating pet ownership PERIOD, their founder's direct quotes proved it long ago, one quote was;

"...neuter neuter neuter until our pathetic version of the cat CEASES TO EXIST"

They have made similar statements regarding dogs, pets of any kind and farm animals. They are a radical right wing style group who have financially and publicly supported convicted arsonists and felons who destroyed medical and research facilities who used animals for medical testing.
Dont forget too, 2 employees of Peta were arrested and charged for killing animals taken under FALSE pretenses from owers and a clinic, killing them w/o a license for the drugs in the official Peta VAN, and then dumping the bodies in a mall's garbage container late at night.The brass claimed they had NO idea and "fired" the 2. The IRS should investigate them and yank their "non profit" status, in fact there's a petition to the IRS on the web urging doing this

[C. A. Reimer]

Just think about it... If the responsible breeders are stopped; imagine all the puppy mills that will pop up! To stop reputable breeders is ridiculous! They should get "some" money for ALL their efforts. They do everything in their power NOT to breed to animals with bad genetic backgrounds.. they work hours and hours to find just the right animal to breed to. Very few actually make money on a breeding. They work so hard to improve the breed and mainly work for the satisfaction of whelping a healthy litter. It is the puppy mills that bring in the loot! They are the ones that do not give a darn about what they are selling, the dog's health, what kind of home they are going to, nor how many times they breed the same dog. It certainly appears PETA is NOT concerned about the health and welfare of animals.

[DFC]

WAKE UP America.....PETA and HSUS do NOT care about animals...they ONLY care about money. Every time something bad happens to animals they wring their hands in GLEE. They immediately start pleading for donations....like the horrible fighting dogs of Vicks. The HSUS still is pleading for donations because of the Vicks dogs.

HSUS is very clever at fundraising. But before you contribute, please note:

1) There is a disclaimer in fine print at the bottom of the form which says your donation may be used for other HSUS programs and may not be used to help the dog fight victims.

2) There has been no accounting for the nearly $20 million HSUS raised for the Katrina dogs and cats. The organization is under investigation by the Louisiana Attorney General for their handling of that situation.
http://tinyurl.com/25avhp

3) HSUS has NO shelter. It is a corporate office building in Washington, DC.

And if you are still considering writing that check, read the following quotes from Wayne Pacelle, president of HSUS:
"I don't have a hands-on fondness for animals...To this day I don't feel bonded to any non-human animal. I like them and I pet them and I'm kind to them, but there's no special bond between me and other animals." quoted in Bloodties: Nature, Culture and the Hunt by Ted Kerasote, 1993, p. 251.

"We have no problem with the extinction of domestic animals. They are creations of human selective breeding." quoted in Animal People, May, 1993.
When asked if he envisioned a future without pets:
"If I had my personal view, perhaps that might take hold. In fact, I don't want to see another dog or cat born." Wayne Pacelle quoted in Bloodties: Nature, Culture and the Hunt by Ted Kerasote, 1993, p. 266.

[Karen Herceg]

If it weren't for irresponsible breeders AND owners, there wouldn't be unwanted shelter dogs. Where does PETA think shelter dogs come from, anyway? Responsible breeders and owners? PETA needs to attack the irresponsible "breeders" and dog owners, and support the breeders that are trying to make better, not more. PETA needs to attack those people that are trying to make a living out of breeding dogs. Those people don't care about what they're breeding. They only care how much money they will be making from the breeding. Believe me, a responsible breeder does NOT earn a living from breeding purebred dogs. Responsible breeders make sure that the dog is going to the right home. Responsible breeders will take back their dog at any time, rather than have it end up in a shelter.

[Marian]

I have never owned a dog that was not bred by a breeder for show. I have never had a dog in my many years that has not lived to old age except for one. I went through interviews, long waits, etc. to adopt dogs that show breeders decided not to show
Adoption through responsible breeders or through rescue organizations can be similar to human adoption requirements from the point of view that it is necessary to prove one's qualifications to be a responsible owner.
The breeders I have dealt with have always remained available to answer questions of any sort and have been in support of my dogs for life. They request to be informed of any health issues that come to light.
I now work in public educaation serving our breed at dog shows and private gatherings to inform interested owners about what is truly involved in being a responsible dog owner. I work to promote both animal rescue groups as well as show breeders who are associated with our club. These unbelievably dedicated animal lovers spare nothing when it comes to both saving and placing an abandoned dog regardless of age or condition or placing a puppy that may not be shown (and believe me, the standards are high).
We should all be so lucky to watch Westminster or Crufts shows where collective lifetimes of love, dedication and hard work have been given to creating the healthiest, brightest and most handsome dogs of each breed.

[Sandy Plotts]

I can't believe the people who support and believe PETA'S
lies. Have any of these people ever talked to an actual breeder and learned about the other side of the coin? We breed only for the betterment of the breed. We health test all areas, hips, spine, petellas, eyes and heart before we breed. I have been breeding for 10 years and haven't made one cent! I love my breed and I'm proud of having them be able to show at Westminister!

[Shayna]

this question is hard for me to answer in that poll. I am against breeding for the show ring, the inbreeding causes defects and it causes the ruination of working dogs. I have nothing against breeding, I have nothing against purbreds, but they should be bred for function. breeding for apperence leads to fads as well as "beauty in the eye of the beholder" because that when defects become "good looks". it also makes in harder for people who need a working dog, to find a dog with a brain in its head, and that can, oh I dunno..move without falling over.

that said I think my answer to this poll would be NO, because I will NEVER support PETA. all people who have pets reguardless of how differnt our beliefes, we need to stand united to destroy PETA.

[Jes]

I think it's unfortunate that people lump puppymills with reputable breeders who breed responsibly and health test their dogs. Purebred dogs have had more damage done by the "at-home" back yard breeder who thinks that simply because an animal has papers, it should be bred. Or those who do so strictly for money. Go online and you will see the majority of mass puppy producing dog breeders do nothing to promote the health and wellbeing of the dogs they are breeding. Furthermore, working as a Vet Tech in this industry have seen more health and behavior problems in mix breed rescues than well bred purebreds; the whole reason I personally quite adopting rescues. I couldn't afford their Vet bills.

PETA needs to first and foremost lobby against mix breed "oops" litters, puppy mills and people who breed irresponsibly. Placing broad band restrictions on breeds and breeders at large only makes it impossible for reputable breeders to continue breeding and showing quality, healthy animals. The backlash of ill suited laws will be the continued breeding of back yard dogs and a black market for purebreds. Thereby inadvertently supporting the increase or poorly bred, unhealth tested dogs. The unfortunate fact remains that most people have more experience with poorly bred animals and rescued back yard bred purebreds, than they ever do well bred quality animals. So the general public makes assumptions about breeds using those stereotypes and misconceptions.

Westminster shows should be supported and aired as this is one of the few opportunities the general public has to view what purebred dogs should look and act like as they are truly ambassadors for their breed.

[Nancy]

Hybrid Vigor is a myth. In the late 1990's the late geneticist Dr. George Padgett (DVM) found more hereditary diseases in cross bred dogs than is found in the Cocker Spaniel. People need to educate themselves on the truth not on mythology.

There are just as many illnesses in crossbreds as their are in purebreds. And if you all want to keep arguing EVERY gene pool including the human gene pool is closed and we are all products of inbreeding... every one of us came from that same "Eve" found in Africa.

[Golfermom]

Given how wild the Brits are about their horses and hounds, I am surprised that the BBC would air such a program. To compare a puppy mill or a backyard breeder to those who belong to AKC-recognized groups and who breed responsibly (ie. breeding healthy animals) is entirely unfair. Perhaps the LA Times should do a follow-up story on an article publushed this year in Newsweek, which found that PETA euthanizes 85% of the dogs that end up in its shelters, and make NO attempt to contact breed rescue groups to ensure that these dogs are placed in loving homes. PETA has euthanized close to 14,000 dogs in its Virginia facility, according to this article: why not inform the public that they aren't all they are cracked up to be? PETA's agenda is for humans to have no interaction with animals whatsoever - not as pets, not in the laboratory, on the farm or in wildlife conservation efforts. Those of you who think that your donation to PETA is helping a shelter dog are sadly mistaken. You would do much better to donate a case of dog food to your local no-kill shelter instead. BTW - I have two Dobermans and know several Doberman owners and this is the first I've heard that Dobermans are prone to anxiety attacks. Mine are two of the most laid-back dogs you'll ever come across.....

[Kim]

All you have to do to see that PETA is a bunch of radical freaks with nothing better to do then become terrorist and try to control everyone is to look at some of their websites and partners. Google 'PETA Sea Kitten'. Thats a good place to start!
Their ultimate goal is total animal liberation. No one allowed to own or eat ANY ANIMAL OF ANY KIND. They take these baby steps and try to push laws with their bogus information and some laws actually pass. Ever notice that in their plight to end puppy mills, EVERYONE has to pay a price and obey a bunch of rules. Even if you are a responsible pet owner, the laws to stop puppy mills effect YOU and YOUR WALLET. The best way to stop puppy mills is to educate people. If no one is buying their dogs, they will stop producing them. If you like your freedom and your right to own a dog responsibly, then tell PETA to get bent and tell your state legislators you will not allow these terrorist to control your life.

[Kelly]

Isn't it about time that the mirror is flipped back to the accuser and an investigative report is done on PETA? Perhaps then their REAL agenda would then be apparent to the general public for once and for all,

[Arnicadia]

PETA does not deal in statistics and facts - just emotional hyperbole. They're ridiculous. For someone to state that "THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A RESPONSIBLE DOG BREEDER" is also ridiculous.
You can decide for yourself to rescue shelter dogs, or you can decide for yourself to buy a purebred dog of your choice. This is America, land of the free, and of free choice.
It is not the land of "bash anyone I don't agree with".
I personally own purebred dogs, rescued cats, and rescued horses, as well as purebred horses, and "mutt" horses. Owning a purebred animal does not mean we do not love and try to help animals that need rescuing.
Every purebred dog breed I am aware of also has one if not several corresponding rescues for that breed, that will also help any other dogs they come across.
Westminster is a celebration of the beauty of the beast that is 'dog', and the best of the dogs.
PETA should butt out of trying to control what everyone else gets to think and see and understand about animals. They definitely are trying to force their way of thinking on everyone. BUTT OUT PETA!

[Pamela Pease]

PETA and HSUS are full of lies and untruths.
Responsible show breeders breed their dogs selectively and not very often. They test for health problems, spend tons of $$ and rarely make any. They make sure any pet quality puupy goes to a responsible good home and the pet pupies are spayed/neutered. They agree to take back any they place, so their puppies will not end up in shelters. It is back yard breeders who do not care about the health of dogs who breed randomly and often to crank out as many puppies as possible to make $$ and do not guarantee anything. That is where many purebred dogs come from that are in shelters.

[Patti King]

The majority as usual are constantly attacked by uninformed, agenda driven, ignorant fanatics-yes PETA. BBC and PETA as usual are on the side of the minority and trying to shove their stupid ideas down our throats. I own purebred dogs, not for show but for LOVE!! They make my life rich and satisfying and I do the same for them. There are always bad apples as far as Breeders go, but it is to their best interest that they breed for the best and healthiest traits, and that is what 95% of them do. And don't get me going....I've had my share of strays and mutts I've taken in and most of them have had something wrong with them, from epilepsy to hip displacia....not a thing wrong with my Poms!!!!!!!!!!!

[Kate]

PETA and conformation dog shows are equally reprehensible. I'd like to see both of them gone. !!

[Kia]

OMG There are sooo many other things on TV people should be boycotting then this dog show! The Westminster kennel has been around over 100 years! Stop messing with tradition...I look forward to February so I can watch this show. I've not missed ONE in nearly 10 years.

[JC]

We all should be very thankful that peta doesn't run our country.You think it's bad now.Castro would probally be running america

[S. Wilson]

I fervently hope that the PETA people do not have any children!!! Unless, of course, they have done a thorough health check, at least 5 generations back, both horizontally AND vertically (do you PETA people even know what that means?) and make sure that there are no genetic defects in each member of those two genetic avenues. No heart problems, no arthritis, no neurological problems, no mental capacity issues, no plantars warts, no nervous or fearful members. Because if they don't do that for themselves, with human babies, who the heck are they to tell us that we are "breeding" genetic faults.

Leave our one really wonderful demonstration of what we have accomplished, and the inspirational canines that are the results, ALONE!!! Go fight for the turtles, the rhino's, the tigers - go stand in the jungle and help the poor nationals with their hopeless quest to keep poachers from killing entire herds of chimps - go do something useful and stop trying to gain public attention by pushing your weight around in our hard and consistant efforts to preserve the integrity and working ethics of our best friends!!!

[Bernadee]

Peta needs to re-direct its self to Puppy mills.Dog actions,Pit bull fighting leave the ethical breeders alone.
No dogs do not need to be free in our world now too much traffic dogs have been domestic for some years now they cannot make it on their own.
Peta turned dogs loose that were in their crates at a Dog Show one time a couple were hit by cars and killed so Peta needs to back off.
Peta has some good ideas but are too radical about them come to the middle of the road.

[Angie]

It's about time that dog breeders and pet owners wake up to what PETA is doing. We have been complacent too long. We've been thinking that it does not concern us. Well folks, look what's coming down the pike. Join the organizations on National and state levels like the NAIA and CDOC who are fighting against PETA and HSUS . PETA has a well organized and heavily monied organization. The media has played into their hands. What has happened to the investigation of the mismanagement and strange disappearance of the funds that you and I contributed for animal rescue after Katrina by HSUS? Why isn't the fact that PETA does not sponsor no-kill shelters better known. Lets join together and fight these people.

[Steve B__]

On the surface PETA appears to be a great thing, protecting the rights of animals who do not have a voice. Those that dig a little deeper see this organization for what it really is, a bunch of fanatical wingnuts whose real agenda would shock the average citizen. At the core of their belief is an ideology that is actually against the owning of any domestic pets.

I am not a big fan of dog shows. However the people involved are engaged in an activity that they enjoy. When you start infringing on the rights of people to do what they enjoy, WHERE DOES IT END! Nut-cases like those involved in PETA cannot see beyond their own nose and see that by trying to further their cause they take chip away at everyones freedoms and rights.

The vast majority of show breeders really care about their chosen breeds and do what they can to better them. They do the proper health testing, and try to do what they can to improve stuctural traits that promote the breakdown of the body of the dog.

These people need to stop lying to people and get a life.

[Lorraine]

Responsible dog breeders health test their animals, and have contracts with their buyers that require the dog to be returned to them if the buyer is unable to keep it, at any point in the dog's life.

Many that I personally know chip their puppies and stay registered on the chip as a secondary contact so that if somebody dumps their dog in the pound they can go bail it out and prevent it from being put down or taking the place of a truly needy animal that has nobody to help it because the person who bred it does not bother to keep track of where their puppies went. No dog produced by a responsible breeder should end up euthanized in a shelter.

The vast majority of shelter dogs are produced by back yard breeders who breed fifi and fido because they'll have cute puppies they can sell for 300 bucks, or they are purchased in pet stores and born in puppy mills.

[Fran]

My litters are planned, sire and dam health tested and puppies placed in good homes on a spay and neuter contract if not being shown......sooooo none of my dog end up in shelters.
I know where each and everyone of my puppies produced lives.
Our president is getting a labradoodle? that is not a pedigree dog, just a "designer" mix breed bred for money.
PETA is an fringe group, they do not even warrant comments from the dog world......
If people went to breeders, we would not need animal shelters!! Pedigree dogs bred by responsible breeders go to good homes or are returned to their breeder if owners unable to keep........there would be no shelters and no PETA if people went to a breeder.

[PBurns]

Your poll asks a double-barreled question which is a basis no-no when it comes to polling. Whether people agree with PeTA or not has nothing to do with Westminster. PeTA has nothing to do with Westminster and PeTA has nothing do with the debate on the health of pedigree dogs. I am beginning to wonder if this LA Times blog continues to confound these two issues to boost readership. I hope not.

Patrick