PETA to USA Network: don't air Westminster!

We told you last month about the BBC's announcement that it won't air the Crufts Dog Show (the UK's answer to Westminster), citing concerns raised by a BBC documentary, "Pedigree Dogs Exposed," over the health of dogs bred for the show ring.  The BBC reported:

The programme...says dogs suffering from genetic illness are not prevented from competing in dog shows and have gone on to win "best in breed," despite their poor health.

It says physical traits required by the Kennel Club's breed standards, such as short faces, wrinkling, screw-tails and dwarfism, have inherent health problems.

Other problems occur because of exaggerations bred into dogs by breeders trying to win rosettes, it adds.

Now PETA is asking the USA Network, which airs the Westminster show every February, to follow suit.  In a letter to USA's president Bonnie Hammer, PETA founder and president Ingrid Newkirk writes, "Since dog breeders routinely use incestuous inbreeding and genetic manipulation...it's not surprising that as many as one in four purebred dogs is plagued with a serious genetic problem." 

Beagles like last year's Westminster winner, Uno, are susceptible to a wide variety of genetic health problems like hypothyroidism, epilepsy and demodectic mange, according to PETA.

"Countless dogs suffer painful cosmetic surgeries and millions of wonderful dogs die in animal shelters because of the AKC's inhumane policies...USA Network can take a stand against the cruel treatment of animals simply by denying air time to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show," said PETA Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch.  And PETA blogger Amy Elizabeth chimes in:

So USA, how about being a good network? Sit. Listen. Roll over. And fetch a few reruns of Law and Order to replace that dastardly dog show…

What do you think -- is PETA right on or out of line?  Will you be watching Westminster this year?  Let us know in the comments.

-- Lindsay Barnett

Photo: Uno, a 15-inch beagle, won Best in Show at the 132nd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show last year.  Seth Wenig/Associated Press.

Comments

[Janette]

What utter nonsense, without the careful breeding by the show people our beautiful pure bred dogs would fade away, PETA is the thin edge of the wedge to turn everyone into vegans or vegetarians at the very least. No farm animals no management of our wild life, even the nonsense of renaming fish as sea kittens to stop us eating fish. People need to start thinking for themselves and stop being brainwashed by a minority of well funded idiots.

[Laura]

I never miss Westminster show and will not miss it this year. PETA is misleading the public big time, and I am in shock that a paper like the LA times would not fully research the topic. This is why so many newspapers are in danger of failing. Wake up and get the full story on PETA.
The rescue group in my area for my breed doesn't have enough dogs in rescue to adopt out, familes are waiting 2 years. Why? because breeders in my area take back their puppies at any age keeping them out of rescue. The golden rescue group in my area build, yes build themselves a million dollar facility for their rescue dogs with indoor and outdoor pools, nicer than most people's houses all funded from breeders. I don't see PETA doing this to help dogs when they have way more money!

[Angela]

This is very typical of Peta. They make these wild unfounded accusations trying to put breeders on the defensive. Peta is NOT about the animals, they are a political movements, which seeks to strip us all-not just breeders & pet owners-of our private property rights.
In their world, the handicapped would have NO service dogs and dogs used for search & rescue, drug enforcments etc would NEVER exist. The overpopulation issue is unrelated to pure breds. Overpopoulation is due to irresponsible people who break laws and allow dogs to run loose and don't care if the animal breeds anything crossing it's path.
I would hope that USA will not fall for this nonsense.
We cannot allow Peta to define us.
Angela

[Marjorie mccarthy]

How can this be? How can a newspaper print such nonsense? Just look at the dogs at Westminster, they are the epitome of good health and breeding you don't see that quality in a shelter. Wake up people! Peta needs to be exposed for what they are.

[Patti]

I sincerely hope USA Network does not bow down to the pressures of PETA, a group whose energy and resources would be better used going after puppy mills rather than eithical breeders who truly care about their dogs.

[kxross]

Dog and cats die in shelters because people who are not prepared to make a lifetime commitment to an buy them. Let's put the blame where it belongs. If overbreeding were the reason that shelters are full of animals then shelters would be only hold kittens and puppies -- instead, they are overwhelmed with juvenile dogs and cats.

Let's not forget that PETA's shelter has the highest kill rate in it its area.

USA's Westminster broadcast has done a great deal of good in helping the larger public to see the role early and continual positive dog training has in forming the puppy a family brings home into a companion for life. Good work USA Network!

[A concerned rescuer]

PETA is a ridiculous group of anti animal ownership
NUTS!!!
They are obviously launching a smear champaign against
hobby breeders to benefit their distorted cause.

I do not breed or show dogs. I am a rescuer. I know that
hobby breeders are NOT the problem.

The problem is irresponsible animal owners.

[Genie Murphy]

Please USA, do NOT cancel Westminster! I watch every year and it is the highlight of the winter for me. PETA and HSUS are groups who are dedicated to the complete eradication of all domestic animals and after that, of all human interaction with animals, domestic or wild. Wayne Pacelle, president of HSUS, has been quoted, "one generation and out", referring to a breeding ban and mandatory sterilization of dogs and cats. Those of you who are under mistaken beliefs about PETA and HSUS, educate yourselves. Visit http://www.naiaonline.org/about/index.htm to learn the other side of the story.

[Susan]

PETA says there is no such thing as responsible breeders. If PETA has their way, there will be no purebred dogs left. Leave responsible breeders alone - those who take back their puppies for THEIR LIFE, and work hard to produce well socialized pets.

WE SUPPORT ANIMAL WELFARE, NOT ANIMAL RIGHTS!

BE CAREFUL OF PETA AND HSUS. THEY HAVE THEIR OWN AGENDA AND ARE NOT OUR FRIEND.

[Deborah]

America needs to WAKE UP! PETA has no intention of helping dogs or animals! If so, then why were they caught on video tape of killing dogs taken from vet's offices under the guise that "they would find good homes for them???" Of course the video tape helped convict them.
With so many good things dogs have been trained for (ie.bomb sniffing, drugs, cancer-sniffers, therapy dogs for the elderly & handicapped) with a high number of pure breds, they extol the evils of "owning" dogs! USA Network PLEASE dont' yield to PETA's request! We LOVE dogs in ALL their forms! We watch Westminster!!!

[Lexis]

I am an animal lover. I rescue Dogs. My most sick and ugly dogs was a mutt called "Herman Monster" rescue from the streets and breed by nature and neglect. He has Displasya was a dwarf with terrible temperament and ugly as can be. I also has traveled in the same plane with dogs from Puerto Rico who were being imported to a local shelter.( even when the same same shelter claim of overpouplations were everywere...go figure!)
I happened to like also pure breed dogs. I think that any responsible parents looking for a dog for their family and having something specific in mind can look in to pure breed dogs as an insure of character, behavior, size, and longevity, also I will recommend to buy from a reputable breeder and ask for health tests.
I personally hate PETA. I used to give them my signature and my money until I realized what kind of agenda they work. They don't want to protect animals. They want "Total animal liberation" and this means no more pets ever, no service animals no farm animals NOTHING!! and this equals to Total animal extermination.
They have kill almost every single animal who came to their shelters. Euthanasia is a form of liberation for them.
They use our feeling to direct their agenda and the people who only see the surface don't even have an idea of their terrible purpose.
Please somebody stop this people. This paper should investigate more before they post anything coming from PETA. They are not working only for the extermination of the animals but also for the extermination of you rights as citizens.
PETA IS BAD!
I also did not wacht westminster but this year, I will for sure !

[Annette]

Let's keep the CHOICE of whether to buy or adopt a pedigreed pet or a random-bred pet one of the freedoms we still have! PETA and HSUS are insidious. It would be a huge disappointment if the USA Network gave in to their tactics. Air Westminster and re-run it frequently! And let's see more dog shows and cat shows on network television.

[Dottie]

Has PETA never heard of genetic tesing done on breeding animals? Are tehy not aware of the OFA? How many mixed breed dogs have had genetic tests done? Problems may show up in pure bred dogs because owners know enough to LOOK for them. Once found a problem is bred away from.

[Greg Hartlmeier]

Please keep televising Westmininster. It showcases the best of the best in responsible dog stewardship.
Please produce a program showing responisble family dog ownership.
And by all means PRODUCE A SHOW SHOWING WHAT PETA REALLY IS ALL ABOUT!!!!!!

[Sue C]

I can't believe what I am reading! Does ANYONE at PETA know what kind of care and research goes into breeding top quality, HEALTHY dogs? Our breed was riddled with severe health problems that caused the breed to almost die out, but due to the efforts and dedication of "regular" people, the breed is once again stable and its numbers are growing. Who gave PETA or anyone else for that matter, the right to govern the airways or to "paint everyone with the same brush"? We know that there are "bad" breeders who produce puppies for the money and don't give the condition or welfare of the animals a second thought. But come on, people, WAKE UP ! There is good and bad in EVERYTHING...even the PETA folks think that what they are doing is right, but our dogs are loved and loving, even if they are not mutts, even if they are shown and yes, even if we, as breeders do take a certain amount of pride in our animals. If I were "vain" I would take the thousands of dollars I have spent over the 50 years I have been raising & showing purebred dogs and bought a Rolls. Get a grip.I will not only watch Westminster, I will be there. One of the dogs that my co-breeder and I bred has been invited...she finished in the top 5 of our breed...because she was carefully bred, lovingly cared for and is truly a credit to the breed and the breeders who came before me.

[Teresa Arnett]

USA, you need to show the Westminster Dog Show as it is a tradition from the early 1900's. Don't let PETA ruin a tradition in our country! We need to take a stand now or we won't have dogs in the future. Where would our children learn responsible pet ownership if not from the great breeders that take the time to produce quality animals?

I think USA should televise ALL dog shows, not just a select few! Let the public see the beautiful animals and use it as an educational show to educate people on the ethical breeding practices of GOOD breeders vs puppy mills!

[Nikki]

PETA is so full of crap. They are also the same ones that went into a dog show some years back and put antifreeze in the water of these show dogs. How many dogs do you think died from that?

No offense I would love to come back as a show dog any day of the year.

Most of the dogs in shelters are pit bulls, and that's because have you met the people that are breeding them?

[Dina]

"As long as 3 to 4 million perfectly wonderful animals are being euthanized in our shelters year after year for lack of good homes, there is no excuse for breeding more animals. Dog shows help fuel the overpopulation crisis by encouraging people to buy purebred dogs instead of saving lives by adopting shelter dogs."

If that's the case, then why don't we put a moratorium on human babies being born until all the orphans in the US have homes? Is it fair that they should spend their lives in foster care or an orphanage while the rest of us go around propagating ourselves irresponsibly?

Oh, that doesn't make much sense does it? Well neither does the idea of stopping dog breeding because there are unwanted animals in shelters. The responsible breeders didn't put the dogs there. They are there because someone didn't bother to keep their female from getting inpregnated by the neighbor's dog. Or the owner didn't take time to make sure the homes the puppies were going to were committed to raising that puppy. Or the people who bought the puppy didn't bother to train it and threw it into the backyard when it became a reckless juvenile. Or the kids got tired of it when it left it's "cute" stage. There are dozens of reasons why dogs end up in shelters, and NONE of them are because a responsible show-dog breeder, who tests their dogs for genetic health problems at great cost; who carefully research pedigrees and dogs to find the perfect pairing to produce healthy, sound, puppies that look like the breed they are supposed to be. I can guarantee you that 99.9% of the dogs being shown at Westminster are healthier and more cherished than the average household pet.
You are buying into the hype. Stop being a Lemming and do your research about PETA and HSUS. You won't have to dig deep to discover that "ethical" and "humane" are not part of their vocabulary.

[Kim]

I have loved and bred Labradors for over 30 years, I know that abuse exists in every arena, kids sports,
church, day care centers, well you all get it, but I have never seen my fellow members of the fancy abuse
their dogs. In fact it is the opposite, they do for the dogs
before themselves. All living things are susceptible to
health problems. As a breeder I spend thousands of
dollars a year to check for those problems so they are not bred on. Come on folks, you need to read more about PETA! They are not for protection of animals, they
do not believe that animals should exist! If you like meat,
if you have any leather or fur products. If you have a fish. If you or anyone you loved has been saved due to
a surgery or medication then you can be sure that would not happen if PETA had their way. They are very dangerous and should not be taken lightly, contact your
political leaders and voice your concern, PETA needs to
be stopped. I hope that everyone watches the dog show. Every breeder I know takes a dog back if the
owner can not keep it. We also have breed rescues so
our breed of dog will not end up in a shelter. When I
visit shelters I see mixed breed dogs. That problem is
caused by irresponsible people, it has always existed and I am sorry to say always will. If I never bred another
Labrador it would have absolutely no effect on the number of dogs in a shelter. Hey PETA, how about taking up the cause of unwanted and abused children?

[Karen F]

USA Network, please consider the following, shelters are overcrowded because PEOPLE do not act responsibly when it comes to dog ownership and care. If responsible breeders are effectively eliminated, be assured people will still want those adorable puppies that is until they become un-adorable adolescents/adults. Human nature and the nature of free markets being what they are, suppliers will find a way to meet the demand. Ergo, to eliminate dogs being abandoned to shelters all OWNERSHIP of dogs would have to be banned.

Now we come to the true purpose at the core of PETA. THINK about it. If PETA's HIDDEN AGENDA comes to pass there will be no dogs in American homes. Does anyone really want that?
PETA people and power would be better directed advocating and teaching responsible dog ownership. Perhaps prospective puppy buyers would think twice about an impulsive purchase if, every puppy were microchipped and that microchip # linked to the buyer/owner. If there was a ONE TIME FEE for the chip/registry to support the manpower and infrastructure to monitor same. If, a microchipped dog showed up at a shelter the owner would be billed for the shelter and care of that dog until a new home was found and financial responsibility was legally transferred. If, like our automobiles, there was an annual inspection certificate for each dog that would require an annual health check visit (vets could then replace their vaccination income with inspection income). Failure to file a current health check would result in a fine. YES, this would require additional effort BUT if these conditions were inherent to owning a dog then ownership would become what it truly is a PRIVILEGE and a RESPONSIBILITY and not a WHIM. There would be less dogs, yes. BUT the dogs there were would be assured of good homes or a safe place to wait while one was found.

KAF

[Kim]

PETA fails to understand that it is the responsible dog breeders that are the caretakers and preservers of pure bred dogs. It is the responsible breeder that cares about the health screening and "show casing of the best breeding stock" ie. "dog shows". The responsible breeders don't just breed any dog. Their dogs are health tested and then the breeder spends tons of money to compete with the dog to see if it stands up to the best of the best when it comes to movement, structure, temperment and function at the "dog show".
If you want an irresponsibly bred dog, go to the shelter, where there are plenty of dogs that were not health screened before they were bred. Their "breeder" is of the "backyard" kind. Or your negligent, ignorant neighbor that failed to spay or neuter their pet. You never saw them at a dog show competing before breeding. Or at the vet doing the health testing. Or temperment testing their dog like a responsible breeder does. And the puppies are in the shelter because the irresponsible breeder didn't take them back...like the responsible "dog show" breeder would have.
PEAT thrives on peoples ignorance. Educate yourselves. The AKC donates millions of dollars to help ALL animals through genetic testing. Not just the animals that come from those "evil dog show breeders".

[Eve]

Peta is full of it. You have these youg jerks that think they know what a brEeder has to go though to breed her dog
should spend time with us to see what we do W e make a difference in the temperment of all breeds on cafreful breeding. They are against crating dog,dogs on leashes etc have no idea on what is best on raising a healthy dog
Yes there are some nice dogs in shelters but would trust them with a young child. That is why breeders guarentee their puppies.Peta you are STUPID

[Amy]

I have always enjoyed watching Westminster, and I feel for the most part that PETA over reacts. However I do feel there are MAJOR problems in the show world. I used to think that show people were above all the puppy mills and bad breeders out there. But it didn't take long for my rose colored glasses to come off when we got into showing dogs ourselves. What I saw and heard while involved in the show world disgusted me. Now, there are some good, responsible and ethical breeders out there, but for the most part, the show breeders are out for that almighty win at ANY and ALL costs. The lengths they will go to shocked me. It really is a big problem. So now when I watch dog shows on TV, I just don't have much respect for most of them. It does make me sad because it could be a good thing for purebred dogs. AKC is just a registry and doesn't monitor breeders to see how ethical they are. But it's HUGE money. Westminster is huge advertisement for AKC and "purebred" dogs. I do think that if AKC wants to put on dog shows, they should enforce the rules and regulations at the shows. But they just turn their back. That is where they have lost control. They have allowed it to become what it has and it's just getting worse and worse.

So I don't really care for PETA as I don't think they are out for the best interest of the dogs, but I also don't feel that AKC is either. Clearly, the only group I see who truly cares about the dogs are those wonderful animal shelters across the country.

[Denise]

I am glad to see there a so many intelligent people posting here that understand that all this is is propaganda for PETA one of the most unethical animal rights organizations in the world. I attend Westminster and the dogs are happy to strut down that runway people cheering them on, like Uno did when he won that boy KNEW he was top dog. PETA tries to do the right thing but by punishing GOOD breeders they are creating back yard breeders and more dogs with genetic issues.

[Sandy Herzon]

Like we really need more "Big Brother watching over us" lunatics dictating to us what we may watch or not watch. These radicals at PETA want to ramrod their extremist views one way or the other, by hook or crook they want their way. I say, "go away!".

[Mickey]

Please PETA stick to what you know.My 13 year old daughter with Aspergers is so proud of showing our Champion Collies.To deny anyone the right to enjoy a family,animal loving sport to understand the beauty,rewarding experence of Dog Showing.One of our collies who was a winner at our Nationals is also a therapy dog working with Exceptional Children in her middle School.Taking away Westminister is to us like taken away the Superbowl.The extremist attitude of PETA is sad,with all of the other animal issues to be addressed leave the dog shows alone.We breed only quality and excellence,be it a show dog or pet,they all go to fantastic homes and live ,long,health,genetic free disablity lives!

[Robin]

Don't under estimate this Nazi PETA group. Lesser groups have managed to get prayer outlawed in our schools where the VAST MAJORITY are CHRISTIANS! It makes people feel very powerful when they are able to take away other peoples rights. AMERICA IS THE LAND OF THE FREE!!!!! Pretty soon we will be no better than Iraq....next they will be having all women wear vails on their faces!
PETA shows their ignorance by lumping Purebred Dog breeders in with Puppy Mills....have they not done enough research to know the difference? DUH!
The Pet Food people need to go to war with PETA.....they have the most to lose! Lord knows the responsible breeders don't make enough money to fight them....they spend it all on the high price of quality dog food!

[Nancy]

If you love animals and have pets, do some research into PETA (and HSUS). Well-meaning people who support these organizations (or believe their statements) have been duped. You will be SHOCKED at what you find. As a former PETA and HSUS supporter, I certainly was.

[Laura]

Puppy mill dogs are not shown at Westminster - for our breed, that is where we see more of the genetic problems coming from and inbreeding, not the dogs at the shows.

Heck, my show dogs have a better life than I do! They are spoiled and happy and healthy. They have more medical care than I do for myself

Our breed club has several rescue volunteers that save more dogs than they place of their own breedings.

PETA, as usual, is distorting facts.

Shows are a great way to educate the public about the different breeds of dogs. Perhaps the USA network can use this to their advantage to provide a public service - most of us breeders would like to see more people educated about pet ownership

[Suzy Day]

Christine wrote on the 5th Jan

"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!"

Christine there is such a show Cesar Milan's dog whisperer. 9 times out of 10 they show shelter dogs who have untold behavioural problems. Shelter dogs come with problems too and to gloss over these and berate pedigree dogs is just irresponsible and very short sighted.

[Patricia]

Peta's motto is "better dead than bred".

Peta wishes to end all dogs in captivity. Folks, your LAP is captivity. No one denies there is a problem with owners dumping their poor dogs in shelters. But it is not the breeders doing this. It is irresponsible owners for the most part. Folks that allow their dogs to run wild or simply dump them because they are an inconvenience.

With the new economic problems, record numbers of dogs are being dumped at shelters as good people lose their homes.

Westminster has always heraled the best each breed has to offer and the very best breeders and handlers to exhibit them. Dog show breeders are less than 1% of all breeders. For the most part, they should be more. Parent breed clubs spend huge amounts of money to research health issues in their breeds and to find remedies. Breeding is almost becoming scientific as show breeders do their best to produce that healthy beautiful dog.

No dog or human is without their genetic weaknesses. Mother Nature will never allow a creature without any type of "issue". You can't blame any breeder for this.

[Annette]

I just love the comments of the "sweet" dogs in shelters. Does anyone have any idea that the reason MANY dogs are in shelters are a)because idiots won't spay the dogs they get, b)BAD breeders produce dogs with temperament issues and won't take them back so they go to shelters. Doodles have just as many health problems as purebreeds so please spare me the "hybrid vigor" crap. GOOD breeders DON'T breed JUST to win and we work very hard by TESTING our parent dogs to STOP genetic issues. PETA is just a fanatic group that wants to control HUMANS.........what a crock

[Angela]

I have lost all respect for the PETA organization. Enough is enough. Peta uses manipulation tactics. USA Network, please continue to air Westminster. Peta doesn't have a clue on how Westminster upholds and promotes excellent issues for healthy canines.

[Charlotte]

PETA represents the antithesis of what they claim to be...."People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals." It's a shame that there are so many gullible individuals who are ready to jump on PETA's sick bandwagon. Plain and simple, PETA is made up of terrorists who will never be satisfied until they manipulate and destroy life of any kind.

USA Network, I pray that you are smarter than to cave in to PETA'S foolish demands. I am neither a breeder nor a show person, I am a dog lover. I enjoy Westminster and everything it stands for. I have a better idea. Keep Westminster. Do an expose on PETA. It's time that the general public sees what this organization/cult really stands for.

[Mitch]

Oh Please. Can there really be people left on earth who are gullible enough to believe the lies of PETA?

They claim to worry about dogs that are bred while secretly killing shelter dogs?

[Elaine Nance]

Keep Westminster on the AIR! Someone pls explain how removing it will benefit anyone. PETA is out to keep people from having pets or any animal of any kind. My show dogs get the best of home life, food, grooming, vet care and love. Somebody please explain where pets will come from when everything is spayed/neutered or where will they come from if we cannot purchase them from a breeder - even commercial sources obtain them from breeders. If breeding is stopped so is animal companionship, service dogs, drug dogs, guard dogs, therapy dogs, guide dogs, the list goes on and on.
One group complains and USA will cave ?? Come on, USA where's your spirit, your backbone?

[Kathy]

Well, if you are going to drop the Westminster dog show, then I think you should drop any and all sports events also. If we cannot watch purebred dogs at their best, then we shouldn't be watching genetically altered (by steriods) sports athletes!

What a bunch of hogwash!!!! I wish PETA would go back under the rock that they came from!

Kathy

[Lilias McDill]

PETA and H$U$ want to take everyone's loving family pets and let them roam free to be hit by cars, rummage through the trash cans and fend for themselves like our poor homeless population. Purebred dogs are immediately removed from shelters by either their owners, loving families or purebred rescue organizations. The poor shelter dogs that are left are the product of animals who roam fre, rummage through the trash cans and generally fend for themselves.

[Faux Paws]

Genetic problems, eh?

Is it too much of a stretch to suggest that I shouldn't exist because my parents weren't genetically tested to rule out my health problems? We should all be required to get a clean bill of health before having children, right?

Mankind's relationship with dogs goes back longer than the existence of well intentioned groups who don't get it, don't want to and never will.

My only question for the judge who put up Uno for BIS is, "Do you think this beagle can do the job for which it was originally developed...finding bunnies?"

Ditto for the judge who chose the best English Bulldog and Border Collie.

People who love the particular traits of their breed want to ensure those qualities are passed on to future generations. Anyone who can appreciate the marvelous differences between, say, Shetland Sheepdogs and Portuguese Water Dogs understands this. If you don't, go to a dog show and talk with dedicated breeders.

I hope the folks from the South Park TV show take notice. This stuff is rich.

[Connie Glore]

CAN WE CONSIDER THAT IF KNOWLEDGEABLE BREEDERS DO NOT BREED AND SELECT FOR BREED TRAITS SUCH AS HERDING, RETRIEVING, FLUSHING, GUARDING, RESCUE, ETC. THAT EVENTUALLY THESE QUALITIES WHICH HAVE TAKEN GENERATIONS TO DEVELOP WILL BE LOST?
DO WE REALLY WANT TO RELEGATE THESE INTELLIGENT CREATURES TO THE ROLE OF COMPANION?
IS ANYONE ELSE DISTURBED BY THE RECENT TRENDS TO HUMANIZE DOGS TO THE POINT WE THINK IT IS OKAY TO DRESS THEM IN LITTLE OUTFITS?

[10poodles]

I find this the most diabolical ploy of PETA to date. As a "breeder" I take great care to test all parent dogs for genetic issues within my breed. I REQUIRE all dogs that can not be kept RETURNED to me. I do RESCUE for my breed. MY DOGS are NOT the dogs in shelters. The dogs in shelters are there because a)ignorant owners won't spay/neuter their pets, b)puppy millers/backyard breeders DON'T screen for genetic health problems and don't care about temperament so THOSE dogs end up in shelters c)the new "designer" breeds have just as many problems as ESTABLISHED breeds and don't give me the "hybrid vigor" dribble. They are NOT hypo allergenic as their producers claim and they will NOT take the dogs back if a family member is having allergy problems.
REMEMBER THIS- NO ETHICAL BREEDER is going to allow THEIR dogs to be USED for the breeding of these DESIGNER breeds so WHERE are the dogs coming from that are being used to produce these mutts? Puppy Mills and Backyard breeders who don't have the best interest of any given breed in mind to begin with and they have the POOREST representatives of the breed in their possession. So what are you getting with a Labradoodle? The WORST of the WORST.........
'nuff said.

[Miranda]

PETA IS LUDICROUS! PLEASE READ PEOPLE! Find out for yourselves about their true agenda and what they stand for!!! Good Breeders are using health testing when its available and funds they generate through dogs shows are used for research to learn more about health problems and eliminating them from their breeds!

I WILL BE WATCHING WESTMINSTER!!

[Michael]

Why blame responsible breeders of purebred dogs for all the shelter dogs? Most dogs in shelters are mutts and were accidents because of uncaring, irresponsible owners. Go after the real problems, these people who won't spay/neuter their pets. I as a breeder require all my pet puppies to be spayed or neutered. In 30 years I've never had an accidental breeding from any of my pets that I bred. PETA should go away!

[Chris]

People what you do not understand is we are all different some of us enjoy pets and others spend alot of money time and just as much love for their breeds and take great pains in breeding out diease and genetic deformalites. If we do away with these people and spay and neuter all dogs and cats where are you going to get your next pet? For those of you that want the unconditional love and comfort of your pets you really need to think about this. PETA would like nothing more than to take those rights away from you. How many of you that talk about over populated shelters know that PETA and the likes are bringing animals into the USA from other countries further causing this so called over population to push their cause. Please for all of us who enjoy watching and participating in Westminster think about your words in this. This may not be you're cup of tea but look at it as if someone were to take the very thing away from you that you loved. This movement is nothing more than taking rights away from all of us and when all of the shelter dogs and cats spayed and neutered mind you are gone what side of your mouth will you be talking out of than?

[Jimmy]

Well it looks like a small percentage of the public is becoming aware of the true agenda of our domestic terrorist groups. hsus and peta have been killing dogs and cats by the thousands in the name of rescue. What we as caring people need to do is refuse to bankroll all terroristic groups.

[Debi]

OK. Now enough!!!!!!!
I have been breeding purebred boxers for over 20 yrs.
I have given up many things. I am & will continue to be a responsible breeder. How many backyard breeders do you the public know will take a dog back because you find you don't have time? Time to train & love. I know of not 1!! In my 20 years of breeding I have been in rescue
15 yrs. & know of many other responsible breeders doing the same. I test all my breeding/show stock. But first they are my pets & family.And I have had heartbreak like many. Have keep them in my home & given whatever care rescue dogs need & found homes for them. What about the designer breeders that
breed affected dogs of 2 different breeds & sell affected puppies for $2500.00 or more. Do they take those puppies back? Hell NO! We dog lovers "responsible breeders" get them, feed them, medicate them & love them & take the time to interview families that will care for them till God calls them to the Bridge. WELL, PETA go after someone else Cuz WE RESPONSIBLE BREEDERS WILL OUT LIVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I for one will be watching WESTMINSTER again this year.
And pray that 1 day. My boxer will be in the group at Westminster. Not for Ego, for the love of the breed.
Suck Eggs PETA!!!
Debi in Iowa

[Rebecca]

This is an absurd request. Airing a dog show does not belittle adopting a rescue dog. As the president of a pure breed rescue club, everytime a large dog show is aired on television, the applications to adopt my breed GO THROUGH THE ROOF. It does a service to educated people about different breeds and which dog might be right for their family.

On another note AKC has long supported dogs in disaster. In the California fires, AKC provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in crates, leads, bowls and whatever else was needed to ANY dog in need, to large dog rescues etc. I didn't see PETA nor have I ever seen PETA offer a dime for actual animal care where animals are in need.

[Heather]

As a dog lover I have to say that I agree with PETA on this one. 8 million shelter dogs sit in small cages with little to no companionship just waiting for the 50-50 chance to be adopted or euthanized.

Why would the USA Network promote this tragic overpopulation crisis?

[Myra Morrison]

You don't HAVE to watch a dog show if you don't want to. I happen to think that the show, featuring some of the finest animals that have ever lived, is exciting and very tastefully done. However, I would never consider it my "right" to tell anyone what to watch or not watch, what to eat or not eat, what to wear or not wear. This propaganda is all done with money that has been collected from well-meaning people who want to help save lives and they are mis-lead by the PETA radicals to believe that their money will go to the animals. It will NOT! Their hundreds of millions of dollars collected all goes to publishing brochures, fund-raising, advertising, executive payroll, etc. It does not HELP animals. HELP comes from breeders, breed club members, friends of the breeds and people who truly do put the animals first.

[Cheryl]

This is ridiculous. Wouldn't this be an invasion of the constitutional right to free speech since it would be a form of censorship? Geez - there are SOOOOO many problems in the world requiring real attention... it just pains me when people spend there time and efforts in the wrong places. If someone doesn't want to watch it, don't watch it... I choose not to watch alot of things on TV that are not for me. PETA is a group of extremists and like all extremists should be ignored.