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

[Donna K.]

This is nuts! When did terrorist organizations like Peta and HSUS gain such widespread acceptance?? For some odd reason, it seems like the media, public, and politicians are actually buying their tripe. What's even scarier is that politicians are even acting on it! What next? If a vicious street gang gets big, loud, and mean enough, will they become 'accepted' too?

Their current targeting of Westminster really has nothing to do with what they are spouting. It is not a target because it promotes 'purebred' dogs or breeders. It is just convenient. They don't care about shelter dogs or whether you take good care of your pet. Peta wants to eliminate ALL animal ownership and will use whatever means necessary to acheive that goal, including violence. They would have NO qualms about killing my pets or yours ("...better dead then fed..."). All they care about is getting money from you and getting the idiot press to cover them in order to further this agenda. Well - guess that worked here, didn't it? What I would like to know is WHY the press doesn't do an expose on Peta and HSUS?? There MUST be an investigative reporter out there somewhere who loves their pet...

[S. Schulze]

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I would be heartbroken if Westminster were to be pulled. A more clear picture to the public as to what the Conformation Ring is really all about would give them a better understanding as to why they want to buy from a reputable, ethical "Hobby" breeder of their specific breed.

These people know their dogs inside and out. Don't kid yourself and the pedigree behind them.

The general public truly does not know the meaning of the Breed Ring..... They are led to believe that it is a Beauty Contest. In some way, that is true but the reason why is because they are presenting a "QUALITY HEALTHY DOG" which are, in fact, beautiful dogs.

Are there some bad apples who are All about the Ribbons in the ring....you would be a fool to think there are not, as there are bad apples out there in every venue in life. However, the MASS MAJORITY love their breed and will do EVERYTHING to get as much information to improve the health, temprament and standard so they can further secure their existance.

The picture shown on the sight of UNO the beagle shaking his head is merely him (Uno) adjusting the lead into a more comfortable place. Why make it something that it is not???? And his owner/handler is allowing him to do that with no correction what so ever as you can see by the loose lead.

Anyone who walks their dog will see their dog shake his/her head to put the collar in a more comfortable position.

One thing I will tell you is Handlers place the collar on the neck "just so" in order to prevent any harm to the dogs throat. However, the average pet owner puts the lead where it could damage the throat, i.e., vocal cords, etc.

The only way a dog can walk you is if you are putting the collar in the most dangerous place around the neck allowing the dog to pull you. If it were placed correctly to ensure safety to the neck, they would be unable to pull.

Conformation Hobby Breeders will teach all their pet owners whatever they know for the lifetime of that dog including but not limited to how to place a lead on a dog. You cannot find a better group of people who HONESTLY care about the future and well being of dogs.

More education as to what hobby breeders are doing in the conformation ring is what is needed. These people are not much different than wildlife preservationist trying to prevent an animal from going extinct by only breeding the healthiest of stock.

Respectfully submitted,

S. Schulze

Posted by: S. Schluze | January 08, 2009 at 08:21 AM

[Sass Levine]

I do believe that breeders should have the qualifications to breed dogs and that many are not producing dogs of good temperament and health. It is up to each breed club to set the standards and these clubs should appoint people to work on educating and exposing poor quality dogs and unprofessional practices to the breed clubs and certainly to AKC etc.. If we try to gain more control of breeders and breeding by those who are most qualaified, arent we talking about scientists? Those that would breed in labratories and wouldnt they end up euthanizing a lot of dogs along the way ? h
Doubt that PETA would support that. think Other confusion is that shelter dogs are not only mixed breeds, but many pure breds as well, so the point of going to shelters for healthier dogs is silly.. If we stop breeding dogs altogether, then I dont see where any dogs would come from . If we only breed mixes then eventually wed want a specific "type" again and be back to breeding for type and there is the pure bred again ! If there are no more purebred dog breeders.. no more breeders at all,according to PETA , and since all responsible people would continue to spay and neuter their dogs, then eventually all domestic CANINES WOULD BE EXTINCT !

[Jayne14127]

PETA slaughters nearly all animals it gets its hands on. Google "PETA kills animals" for reading material. "Celebrity endorsements" are ridiculous - so-called celebrities will do anything to get their names in front of the general public, especially for a "feel good" cause that "feels good" as long as people don't bother to educate themselves. Anyone promoting "don't buy from a breeder" needs to get educated about who is and who isn't a responsible breeder. Where do you think those "adorable shelter animals" come from? Not from responsible breeders, but from irresponsible breeders and owners, of course, and NO AMOUNT OF ADOPTION is going to slow down the number of animals flooding into shelters. Why isn't PETA going after irresponsible owners and breeders and promoting those with responsible breeding practices? Because PETA intends to eliminate all companion animals, and directing people to buy only from breeders who conduct themselves responsibly (contracts, interviews, health and temperament testing on their animals, and so on) would drastically reduce if not eliminate those shelter populations and destroy PETA's reason for existing.

[Animal Lover]

Hey - Everyone -
You're missing the point! PETA is AGAINST companion animals! Check it out. Idiot Ingrid wants them extinct. Their BFF (Best Friends Forever) is H$U$ - who also want companion animals, especially dogs and cats, GONE!!! Ask Ingrid WHY PETA killed over 90% of the animals they took in last year? Ones that they PROMISED they would adopt out to nice homes!!!

The dogs in the shelters are NOT purebreds, do NOT come from show stock, AND, in many cases, are NOT even from America!!!!!

[Carol]

Let's not show the Super Bowl, because someone might get hurt during it!

PETA has helped so many companion animals - DIE! That's right - DIE!!! They kill over 90%, by their own admission, of the animals they "rescue"! They have been caught letting dogs free at dog shows, so they could be killed on highways. They've been caught putting antifreeze in water dishes - LETHAL! They love animals???? NOT!!!!!

This is nothing more than a terrorist group! They should be treated as such!!! They AND their fellow H$U$ are the biggest scam going in this country - other than the politicians that are in their pockets!

[Ivy]

PETA has stated many times that they do not believe in humans reproducing either???? as having children is for our own enjoyment and children are our slaves?? So I guess the networks should stop showing any tv shows with children in them too??? this is getting stupid!
Anyone listening to PETA are just weak individuals, with no mind of their own.

I look forward to watching Westminster again this year!!

[Larry]

I've had wonderful purebreds for 55 years and compete in confirmation and AKC obedience competition. Of the many dogs I have owned and loved - and I love all of my companions - not one has had genetic problems and not one has died before the age of 14. One could train the Hubbel telescope on my face and not detect the slightest interest in anything spewed out by the radical extremists of PETA. Not one PETA statement made in the article above concerning the dog fancy - show and performance - is truthful or factual. PETA deliberately lies in order to promote its bizarre agenda, which is well described by the precedeing posts. Just one from PETA's past: a PETA spokesperson once compared chicken farms to the Holacaust, which is probably the most gross, repugnant statement ever made about the victims of the Holacaust. Shame on the media for continuing to give PETA press coverage of their Satan-inspired views.

[Karen]

I must say that PETA is no friend of the freedom of choice. They have their agenda to eradicate pet ownership (or pet parenting, as goes the current jargon), and want to take away our right to choose. I am a responsible breeder who participates in AKC Conformation events. I test all of my dogs for healthy eyes (CERF exam), hearts and patellas (OFA). I don't breed to untested dogs, or dogs with undesirable temperaments. I know of dozens of breeders who operate on that same standard (in my breed club). I only breed maybe one litter every other year, and none of my dogs have had any of these health problems. (Generations of responsible breeding will generally get you healthy dogs!) Any of my pups that go to pet homes must be spayed or neutered when they are 6 months of age, and I screen my potential pet homes very carefully. I do not make any money at this, due to the fact that I love my dogs and care about their well-being; there are many expenses for their home care, vetererinary care, health testing, etc. I also own and love a spayed shelter dog who is a mixed breed. I used to work at a shelter and have seen the plight of the unwanted and stray dog, but would not want to "throw the baby out with the bathwater" because of other people's poor choices or circumstances.
I fear that the emotional (non-factual) information out there is steering the majority of the public in a direction led by extremists. Do you want to follow that lead, or do you want to educate yourself on what this is really about? Find a breed club and ask questions, or go to an AKC breed's club website and see what it's about.
We live in a country where choice stands for more than convenience. It stands for freedom, and the responsibility that carries with it. Please don't jump on the bandwagon that is fighting to take away my right to exercise that responsibility.

[B. Williams DVM]

Purebred dogs have the only, and most health tested, records available today. To say mutts, at shelters are heathier is an absoulute lie. There is no data to support this misleading information. On the contrary. I would be secptical about adopting someone elses problems from a sheltor.
Peta and HSUS are propaganda mongers.
Investigate you will find responsible breeders that are doing more for dogs than the shelters ever thought. Peta and HSUS wants to ultimately deny us the right to OWN animals it thier dirty little secrect.

[Hilary Zaloom]

I tried to adopt a dog about a year ago and kept being told that because I had a 13-year-old, that none of the dogs I was interested in were suitable. Nobody bothered to meet my daughter and establish whether or not she listened to loud music, had huge numbers of friends over, etc. I searched for months and could not adopt the kind of dog I wanted.

I did have criteria that I wanted met: primarily, the dog must be affectionate and non-biting. I also wanted non-shedding, non-yappy, not too small, not too big. I realized I was adopting a member of the family that we would be living with for over a decade and wanted a good fit.

Ultimately, I bought a Bedlington Terrier. He is a perfect addition to our family. This breed is known for its affection, a product of good breeding. Plus, the breed club and many, many of its supporters from around the world are actively involved, monetarily and in terms of research, in maintaining the good health and characteristics of the dogs and helping to understand and eradicate a genetically somewhat prevalent disease in the breed. The research being done on behalf of this breed will benefit mixed breed dogs as well as other purebred breeds.

I watched the program that caused the BBC to stop airing Crufts. Yes, there are abuses and abusive breeders. Any area of human endevour, unfortunately, includes abuse. But responsible breed clubs are taking steps to eradicate those abuses. And the abuses were REALLY exaggerated in that program. Plus none of the good that breed clubs do was recognized.

I will be watching Westminister!

[Dr. J]

I will not be watching Westminster on USA.

I will, however, be taping it, as I will be there with one of my wonderful dogs, who, by the way, was invited this year, won her breed last year there, and has been number 1 in her breed for the past 2 years, and is in the top 20 for her group this year.

I am also a vet, and get offended by some of the lies being pushed by PETA (the terrorist group).

Of the 3-4 million "perfectly wonderful" animals euthanized at shelters each year--probably 2/3 of those are euthanized because they are 1) feral cats, 2) unadoptable due to behavioral issues 3) pit bulls that shelters have a 0-tolerance for in may cities (euthanized no matter what because thay are pit bulls) 4) animals that are too sick or injured to humanely keep alive 5) the owner requests it.

Please find me the shelter where 1/4 dogs is purebred...it doesn't exist. If 1/50 dogs is purebred, that is a lot. And I'm sure none of those came from responsible breeders--they would not have sold a pup to someone with a "throw away" attitude, and would have taken that dog back if the owner could not keep it for whatever reason.

If there is such a horrendous overpopulation of pets in this country, why are there rarely (if ever) puppies available at our local shelters, and why are 3/4 pets adopted from our local shelters from out of state or other countries? Because the overpopulation problem is an overexaggeration.

Overpopulation is caused by veterinarians charging too much for spays and neuters????? Do you realize that every spay or neuter a vet does is a money loss for vets?? We charge a relatively little as we do to keep them as affordable as possible. Do some places (shelters, etc) do them for almost nothing? Yes, because they have funds to supplement them. Before you choose to have your pet's MAJOR surgery done at a low-cost facility, please consider the lack of pain control, proper anesthetic support (monitors, IV fluids, etc) that will keep your pet safe and comfortable.

How about overpopulation is caused by irresponsible owners who do not/cannot raise and take care of their pets properly? Maybe if you cannot afford the few hundred dollars to spay or neuter your pet, you cannot afford to have that pet. Please remember pet ownership is not a right--it is a responsibility. And if you can't meet the basic needs, you may need to rethink what type of pet you own.

Dogs are bred for looks and not health???? Health and temperament are the most important things responsible breeders look for when choosing who to breed. The chance of your whole litter be "show" quality is small, so it is important for us to have healthy, well mannered "pet quality" dogs available for homes.

If show dogs are leading such horrible lives, why do they all look like they are having the time of their lives in the ring? All my dogs are Champion show dogs, with some having more accolades than others. Some retire from the show ring to go on to Therapy Work, Agility, or Couch Potatoing, whichever suits their personality. (The Couch Potato part is there during their show career, too...) They are honestly much healthier, happier, and well adjusted than any dogs I've owned before I started showing.

Are purebred dogs right for everyone? NO! Are shelter dogs right for everyone? NO! Some people want to have and idea of size, temperament, personality to expect when they bring a puppy into their house. Some people would like to have a mixed-breed dog, to be able to "save" a shelter dog. Are either of these choices wrong? Are either the only right choice? Of course not! That should be left to the choice of people looking to add to their familty, not to outsiders who "Know what is right" for EVERYONE.

Purchasing a purebred pup from a responsible breeder in no way cause the death of a dog in a shelter. What causes death in shelters is irresponsibility in raising dogs, the attitude many Americans have about turning in a dog when it becomes too much to handle, then turning around and getting another dog rather than trying to work with their first dog.

What USA needs to do is to showcase show breeders and dogs, so people can see first hand what their lives are like, instead of believing everything that PETA nad HSUS spews...

[Deb H.]

If 1 out of purebred dogs is genetically defective I should have 3 genetic mutants in my household of 12 dogs -- I don't and the dogs range from 6 months old to age 13 3/4 years old who is doing just great.

Please don't fall for the PETA falsehoods. They are covering up their true agenda -- to stop breeding of ALL animals. They are the ones who should stop breeding!

[Steve]

We are not supportive of PETA and HSUS and their FANATICAL EXTREMIST views. We intend to watch the Westminster Dog Show on TV... AND ALL the re-runs !

What we would like to see, is an investigative piece on PETA and HSUS ... And expose their true agenda, their tactics, their grossly inaccurate statements, and their lack of real ethics, this would be very interesting and eye-opening exposed.

[G gross]

If you follow petas thinking... since animals are the same as people, then we should stop having our own children and adopt all of the orphans in the world, until the human race dies out. They don't love animals they hate the human race.

Keep Westminster!

[Pete McEwen]

I wish sucker4setters would have told us what dog show that was, because I've researched it a little bit, and the story seems apocryphal or exaggerated.

Does PETA want there to be no such thing as german shepherds and collies and poodles and labs and goldens and cairns and beagles and all the rest? It's one thing to say "Buy a shelter dog; they make great pets." versus "Make dog breeds extinct."

My guess is that 99 percent of the dogs in shelters aren't there because of breeders. They are there because of crappy dog owners who don't neuter their dogs.

[KnowsReality]

So far, the polling on Billy the Elephant suggests Americans ignorantly believe zoos provide a healthy place for elephants.

Also, selfishness and lack of "humaneness" (I think a kind of oxymoron - the word, "humane" - because humans are the most vicious of all creatures. We kill for symbols and sport).

Same with the Dog Shows and dog-breeding. We have created deformed dogs - Imagine - the squat bull dog once had a build that enabled it to herd cows!! The cockerspaniel once had been a hunting dog!

When you breed for very specific attributes, you breed out others - and generally good ones.

With rare exceptions, Mutts ARE smarter, healthier, and less neurotic than purebreds. Depsite the unfounded opinion by some!

And, yes, dog-breeding has been the biggest bane to dogs since the advent of animal abuse.

I will be sending a donation to PETA for this one!!!!

[Christy]

If you want a show about shelter dogs, watch Animal Planet. There are wonderful shows with caring, underpaid workers devoting themselves to save dogs and cats from the TRUE bad breeders and owners. Purebred dogs are for the most part owned and loved by extremely responsible people. People feed show dogs better than themselves at times.

Westminster is a tradition, like the Super Bowl....hmmm talk about some irresponsible folks. PETA represents itself as a savior of animals but this is not the truth. If PETA wants to help dogs then they should spend their effots to do fund raising and donations to shelters across the country.

Televising a dog show once a year is not hurting anyone, in fact if you do watch Westminster you will usually see commercials and tributes about donations to Humane Societies.

[Ann Harvers]

It is always easy to use propaganda, like PETA & HSUS do to get the sympathy of John Q Public. Sure, show Uno at his worst, shaking his head, doG forbid, before strutting his stuff. Yes, there are problems in the purebred world, but they are no more exaggerated than in any other part of life. Check out the parent club websites and read their Code of Ethics to see what the standards are to be a responsible breeder. Breed clubs, breeders, show dog exhibitors and participants, as a majority, work very, very hard to protect these dogs to the best of their ability w/the various tests and research into each & every breeding. Rescue clubs are attached to each and every parent club to take care of ANY dog that is in trouble. Westminster & all the other breed clubs on air speak about how to be RESPONSIBLE dog owners & to pick the breed that is right for you. PETA is working to take our right to have animals in our lives away, period. I've personally seen dogs harmed at shows by PETA representatives. Don't be fooled by their sad pictures and heartrending stories. They do NOTHING but harm these creatures we love and furnish their own coffers w/the donations. Just look at the figures on what is spent on their campaigns & what they actually spend on shelters or helping animals directly. They believe in a society where there will be NO MORE pets nor animals available for guide dogs, therapy dogs, police dogs, search & rescue, etc. How would your life be if the animals weren't there to do the jobs that humans cannot? Even if you are not an animal lover, you have to admit that they are available to benefit many lives, even if you don't choose to have one in your own life. Wake up & smell the coffee, folks, this is propaganda at its very best. We work very hard to benefit ALL animals when we do what we do w/in the dog show world & taking off one dog show is just taking away a very valuable educational avenue and taking away our rights one step at a time. Beware! This is happening across the country. Bottom line is, the reason why there are so many animals in shelters? IRRESPONSIBLE OWNERS who buy or adopt what's cute, what's in w/o realizing how much work is actually involved. Purebred clubs & those associated w/them, spend a great amount of time & money on educating everyone if they only take the time to listen. WE LOVE OUR DOGS, and all other dogs, believe it!

[Steve]

PETA is beyond lunacy. Why in the world anyone would pay attention to a bunch of freaks who get off calling fish "sea kittens" and trying to demand Ben&Jerry's use HUMAN breast milk in their products is beyond me. HSUS, PETA and ASPCA are all of the same radical ilk of tree-hugging moonbat trying to force a majority to accept their warped view of the world. It's about money, folks. If you really want to help animals, use your money with your local shelter or humane society- they can use all they can get and it goes to help the ANIMALS directly. Practice and preach responsible pet ownership. Spay and nueter pet animals. Learn what a responsibly bred purebred dog is and what responsible breeders do to produce a superior animal of absolute health, temperament and structural integrity. Patronize them for your pets instead of backyard breeders and puppymillers/pet shops who are only in it for the money. Carefully evaluate your needs and abilities BEFORE getting Fluffy. And above all, tell USA Network not to knuckle under to a cabal of people who have clearly limited mental stability and grip on reality. Watch Westminster, know the dogs are loved and cared for beyond what we expect for ourselves and are a product of breeding which if exercised among humans, would have kept us free of PETA idiots!

[KnowsReality]

One thing I gather from the comments here - the oh, so popular Pro Dog Breeding - is that the k-9 group has a $$$ vested interest and superb mobilization capacity for getting out the "Support for (commerically profitable, if perhaps morally questionable) dog-shows and dog-breeding.

No question - a corporately-sponored project - lobying ? - usually generates a great deal more "activitsm" than the unorganized, ordinary citizenry can muster.

I take the "pro dog breeding/dog show" comments for what they are.

[Ginger]

Please do not discontinue airing Westminster. PETA People have no idea what they are talking about. The dog show community sets an example to other breeders in carefully screening their breeding animals for genetic defects, and not breeding any affected animals and in fact most of the Parent clubs require it of their members. Local All breed and Specialty breed clubs require these kinds of ethical breeding practices as well and most clubs support the Canine Health Foundation with donations to advance the health and wellbeing of our pure breeds. Show dogs are also pet dogs belonging to good Americans that value and love their companion animals and try to help others learn about their breeds through training classes and club meetings, rescue efforts within the clubs and breed information to new owners. PETA needs to quit spewing out their garbage and the Television networks need to start listening to their viewers more than radical extremeist groups that are taking over the world. I for one am sick of it. I plan to be watching at home this year instead of from our club box but plan to attend the show again in person in 2010 - There is no show like "The Garden" to showcase our beautiful dog breeds of the American Kennel Club. I am a proud member of an AKC Member Club that works hard volunteering to promote good heatlhy breeding practices in my small home kennel and in my home town and dog community. We do not produce large numbers of puppies and only place them in carefully screened homes with guarantees to take them back if something happens. We spend all that is necessary on all genetic tests recommended to screen for diseases that affect our breed going back many generations and ask all puppy owners to do the same. We sell pet puppies on spay neuter agreements and limited registrations as well with written contracts, breed information and are there for the new owners for the life of the puppy.
Maybe USA network could interview and showcase responsible good breeders and top dog clubs such as the Westminster KC and others around the country and show the public the real truth of what AKC and the purebred dog community is really about instead of believing bimbo actresses who have no clue. Its time to stand up to the terrorists! Enough is enough!

[Patricia Panto]

The benefits of dogs to the human race is so great it is hard to believe that any group, no matter how radical, has missed that point. I WILL watch The Westminster show and hope many PETA members will eventually see the light. My life has been enriched by my pets, both mixed and pedigreed.

[John Galt]

Funny that so many seem to forget that is not the breeders who are bringing dogs to shelters but their owners--or the shelters picking up dogs.

Also funny that we somehow expect the dog population to be healtier genetically than the human population, where cancer and heart disease is the leading killer, where diabetes is a leading killer. We live in a country that used to have the top health care in the world, yet nearly half of Americans have no health insurance and more than half have some genetic related health concern. Yet no one preslected our choices of mates. Hmmm. could it be that ALL lving things have some sort of health issue or will have??

[Cheryl]

First of all, the dog is shaking his head, what was cruel about that? To allow the beauty of our animals to be viewed by thousands of people is a blessing. Is it better to show a football game with grown men fighting each other? There are just as many dog people, if not more, than football fans. There is nothing inhumane, violent, no nudity, cursing. If they want to start to ban what is shown on t.v., lets start with the programs that are doing all of the above first. If PETA has their way, there will be no more dogs, cats, in ten years to have as our companions.

[amy lynn]

I have been watching the Westminster telecast since the 80's and without out it, I would have never realized my passion for dog showing. It was my childhood dream to have my mom see my dog and I walk that carpet.

USA, please air the show!

[Charlie Brengel]

The President of PETA, as well as the organization itself has but one goal. To rid the United States of all animal interaction, and relationship. They ar e not above committing and financing terrorist activities. Should the USA network choose Not to air the Westminster Show, I for one will NOT watch any show on USA network and will actively request any and all USA Sponsors to withhold their advertising dollars from USA network.

PETA and HSUS have defrauded, lied to and misrepresented themselves to the public for far too long. When will the American Public wake Up and stop these terrorist organizations.

Charlie

[Julie, San Bernardino, CA]

PETA & HSUS are NOT about animal welfare. They are all about eliminating our right to own and love companion animals. As the owner & breeder of a beagle that will be competing at Westminster this year, I would like TV viewiers to know that my dog has passed all of his recommended health certifications for his breed. He has what is known as a CHIC #. This means that his hips, heart, and eyes have been examined by specialists. Not only has this dog passed all of these tests, he is the #1 for his variety for 2008. The breeders who are exhibiting at 'the Garden' work long and hard to breed healthy dogs with the attributes that make their breed able to do the work it was bred to do. What most people DON"T know is that we also spend a great deal of our time and money RESCUING the unfortunate of our breeds who were dumped in shelters by irresponsible owners. We devote a great deal of time to educating the public about responsible dog ownership AND we screen our puppy buyers very carefully to be sure that they are committed to providing a loving home to our puppy for the rest of it's LIFETIME. Most of us REQUIRE that if an owner can not keep a dog that they got from us, we take the dog BACK and either keep it or find it a more suitable home. The exhibitors at the WESTMINSTER KC Dog show are not just showing Champion Dogs, to paraphrase the AKC's slogan, WE ARE THE DOG'S CHAMPIONS.

[Nicole]

Westminster is loved by so many people ... breeders, exhibitors, and families across the US! PETA needs to worry about the dogs on the side of the roads not those that are in loving homes. I read AKCs website ... It is against AKC to have dogs cosmetically altered and if a dog's look is against the breed standard, those dogs won't win. Leave people alone and worry about the dogs that need good homes PETA!

[JacquelineG]

As a purebred dog owner and breeder I am appalled by PETA. I have been working with American Pit Bull Terriers for thirteen years, and have been breeding for two years. I am a responsible breeder. I do vet my dogs very well, I screen new homes (including home visits), and I also have a puppy contract that has to be signed. I do take my pups back if the family they are placed in does not work out and that is stated in my contract. My pups or dogs are not to go to shelters, or be abused in any way, and must be seen by a vet at the appropriate time. In fact I just received a puppy back from my last litter that is almost a year old now. No questions asked. Also as a responsible American Pit Bull Terrier breeder I do rescue work and fostering as well, as most shelters do not adopt out American Pit Bull Terriers. PETA's stance on American Pit Bull Terriers can be summed up with this quote from Ingrid Newkirk... "
"Those who argue against the euthanasia policy for pit bull dogs are naive. I have scars on my leg and arm from my own encounter with a pit. Many are loving and will kiss on sight, but many are unpredictable. People who genuinely care about dogs won't be affected by a ban on pits. They can go to the shelter and save one of the countless other breeds and lovable mutts sitting on death row through no fault of their own. We can only stop killing pits if we stop creating new ones."

PETA wants to give examples of health problems for purebred animals, but the fact remains that there are no statistical facts kept for mixed breeds. PETA would like to have you think that every purebred dog is prone to or will have health problems. This is simply not the case. If the proper vet care is given to ANY dog their chance of having severe health problems is slim to none.

PETA is quoted in saying...

"We do not run a traditional shelter. In fact, we refer every healthy, cute, young animal we can to shelters."

But the proof shows otherwise. In 2003 PETA transferred just one animal to another shelter. In 2002 there were just two animals transferred. PETA has repeatedly held a kill rate of over 90% for the last 9 years. This has prompted the Center for Consumer Freedom to formally petition Virginia's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), requesting that the government agency officially reclassify People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) as a slaughterhouse. PETA's quote to answer to this is...

"Most of the animals we receive are broken beings for whom euthanasia is, without a doubt, the most humane option."

So now I am requesting that USA Network, air the Westminster Dog Show, and not follow suite with a dog and cat slaughterhouse.

Jacqueline G.
Kittrell, NC

[Adel Keller]

I just want to say a few things to everyone . Why is PETA talking so bad about the breeders and Dog Shows. Isn't it because of them that they are making so much money from. It is all about bad PR on the breeders and shows. Let's say this okay, If PETA stops everyone from owning or watching dog shows hmmm. Won't they ran out of money ..There won't be nothing to report on abuse. So lets get real here . It is a person right to own a pet be it a show dog or a house pet, or even to watch a dog show. If people start to be controled by PETA, is this not a form of abuse? So go head USA be controled by Peta and let us all see how they abuse our right.

[Elizabeth]

I think this whole thing is ridiculous and just another attempt by PETA to advance their goal of NO ONE being able to keep pets in their homes.

Since everyone thinks these people at Westminster are so evil allow me to introduce myself as (GASP) one of them. I will be showing my Pomeranian there in February. This dog is a puppy that I bred myself, he is one of a litter of four that I raised in my spare bedroom in November 2007. Two of his brothers were also graded as show quality and are in excellent show homes where they are well cared for. The fourth puppy was pet quality due to her size, she was spayed and placed in a loving home who I hear from regularly and who has visited me at dog shows and at my home to keep in touch. THey adore her and even adopted a second puppy from me a few months later to be her companion. They were looking for something specific when they bought a Pomeranian and that is what they got. Incidentally my first dog was a shelter dog... I loved him despite the fact he was epileptic and a biter, which I took him to obedience classes for 2 years straight to resolve. Not everyone can deal with that, especially if they have small children. A well socialized, well bred puppy is the answer in those situations.

I keep my dogs in the house where they receive plenty of love, attention and socialization in a clean and comfortable environment. The dog I am showing at Wesminster has traveled with me several weekends the past year to achieve his championship, which was a very fun bonding experience for me and my dog, who enjoys being the center of attention and receiving treats while he is in the ring. Win or lose we go home happy as I'm thrilled just to have him with me. He is trained using only positive training methods so that he loves to show. I just adore him, he is my heart and soul as are his other "kennel" mates. They enjoy their time in the show ring, and when they are through, they retire at home to be couch potatoes.

I dare anyone to come watch me and my dog in the ring and still say there is something "wrong" with this sport.

[Paul Lepiane]

Dear USA Network,

PETA's call for USA Network to not air the Westminster dog show is just another attempt to reach their ultimate extremist goal of banning all pet ownership and any use of domestic animals.

PETA should be focusing their efforts where they are needed and appreciated: improving factory farm conditions for meat, dairy and fur animals, encouraging low-cost volunteer spay and neuter programs, educating the public about the proper care of domestic animals, etc. To select the purebred dogs shown on the Westminster broadcast is just another example of their all-or-nothing extreme positioning.

The vast majority of animals in shelters are not purebreds and have not been produced by breeders of purebred dogs. The percentage of shelter dogs that come from hobby breeders - like ALL the dogs shown at Westminster - is so small as to be unmeasurable.

If PETA took a sensible and reasonable approach to pet ownership, they would realize that it's the hobby breeders who are doing the health testing of their dogs, who are placing the relatively few puppies they produce in carefully selected homes and who take those puppies back if the new home does not work out. PETA should be encouraging these responsible hobby breeders while also educating the public on responsible pet ownership, voluntary spay and neuter, and getting puppies and dogs from either a shelter or a responsible hobby breeder who can provide proof of health checks on their dogs. Most important they should promote the fact that a pet is not an impulse purchase.

Since it's a fact that almost NO hobby/show breeders make a profit from their involvement in purebred dogs, money is not the driving force for them to produce each generation; it's their love of the dogs and the sport.

We must all realize that when dealing with PETA's leadership, we are dealing with an extremist organization. We've all seen how extremists work on the world political stage.

Paul Lepiane
California

[Carole]

Ask PETA and HSUS how many dogs they destroy every year? Thousands and thousands and thousands of healthy dogs who could have found homes to be placed in but they outright destroy them...because they don't feel that anyone should own animals. PETA goes to dog shows , opens crates and releases animals (that don't belong to them) and allows these animals to run free in unfamiliar grounds and into traffic and be hit by cars. All of you who cheer PETA on - remember, their next attack will be the food you eat, the shoes you wear, the clothes on your back. They are relentless hypocrites!

[Sharon T]

West Minister is the best place to look for breed that you might want to purchase. Please don not let PETA take that from the public.

[Judy]

As usual, PETA has taken a valid point and blown it all out of proportion. If PETA says something these days--you can pretty much ignore it. Aren't we dog lovers who believe in animal welfare (as against animal rights) allowed to enjoy a program that we want to watch??

Judy

[Jim]

It's very disconcerting to see how many people have responded based purely on either a) emotion ("the poor purebred dogs are all sick, malformed, etc.") or b) propaganda from PETA, HSUS, and the like ("by definition, breeding dogs is irresponsible", "the shelters are filled with animals being killed by the thousands every day", etc.).

Full disclosure: I do NOT breed, never have, never will. Not because I disapprove in principle, only because I do not have the temperament to do the genetic testing, medical and lineage research, or even selling the puppies -- I'd want to keep them all!

But I know scores, possibly hundreds, of breeders of purebred dogs. Like every other aspect of society and humanity, there are good breeders and bad breeders. And, just like every other aspect of society, the good almost always outnumbers the bad. Oh, sure, there are people who call themselves responsible breeders but who don't care about anything except getting puppies to sell, regardless of the detailed health and genetics of the dogs (cats, etc.) being bred.

But when you get into conformation showing, such as Westminster, the breeders who produce those dogs are simply awesome in the research they do, the extreme care they take to reduce or eliminate the possibility of genetic defects and maximize the probability of vibrant, healthy, happy offspring. I admire those people greatly.

What I don't admire is organizations such as PETA and HSUS that do nothing at all to care for dogs, cats, and other pets. In fact, they routinely kill pets outright who come into their possession. Those organizations are, IMHO, little more than money-gathering propaganda machines. And, if people would bother to read their web sites, they'd learn that the ultimate goal is to eliminate all human use of animals in any manner at all, including as companions.

Please, don't believe the propaganda, but talk to respected breeders at a dog show somewhere, and learn the truth!

[Judith Goldberg]

I am a little confused about the contents of one of the posts here stating that she is an AKC judge and long time breeder. I am unable to confirl whether she is a breeder or not but I can say she is NOT on the list of AKC judges. Guess you can say anythong you wnat on the internet if you want to diecredit dedicated breeders.
JG

[Karen P]

It is a shame that PeTA and the HSUS have to impose their will on all people and make the general public assume that all breeders are evil animal abusers. It is sadder that too many are following them.

First, educated breeders are at the forefront of pushing for better research and medical care, genetics knowledge, etc for their breeds. They are pushing for the best that can be developed with current technology. PeTA and the HSUS do not want you to know this. They are also part of the reason we have better nutrition for our pets, etc. Look at how mcuh money clubs give to research into health? Is PeTA ior the HSUS doing this? No, but dozens of dog clubs in the US have health and research foundations. Thank dog breeders, good ones, for pushing for genetic tests, etc.

Educated breeders are not just churning out pups for the pet trade. They are working to keep form, function and health. They research pedigrees carefully and each breeding is carefully planned. They place any pups that they do not keep with the same care as they do the pups they hope will pass on desired traits. And all pups that go to pet homes will be on an altering (spay/neuter) agreement,

Educated breeding is what is giving us dogs to work with, dogs that assist the disabled and dogs that love to compete or just be good companions. Educated breeders are not the reason ill and poorly temperamented dogs are being churned out. But this is what PeTA and the HSUS want you to believe.

Good breeders place in contracts that they will take puppies back if the owner, at any time, for any reason and any age of the dog, cannot keep. If an owner does not follow the contract, that is not the breeder's fault. Good breeders also suggest rescues and recommend them. Bad breeders have the "out of sight, out of mind" mentality. However, we should not lump all breeders into the "evil" category. Though PeTA and the HSUS want you to think this and they wil use inaccurate information to "teach" the public. I have witnessed this first-hand through an animal rights group that was a sub-group of PeTA.

I am all for adopting shelter animals. I have shelter animals in my house. However, the choice for the source of a pet is up to the individual acquiring the pet, not PeTA, the HSUS or a legislator. If we truly want to get rid of puppy mills, we need to better educate the public about how to choose a breeder and let the free market work. If people stopped buying from pet shops and those who are just breeding dogs for the sake of it, there would be fewer commercial sales. There would also be fewer unwanted pets and good breeders screen potential owners carefully and will refuse a sale.

If we allow PeTA and the HSUS to get their way, there will be no choice. There will be no people at the forefront of canine health and genetics and passing this on. There will be no dog events of any kind. A dog has to love showing to show effectively. You cannot force a dog to be a top dog in any activity if he does not love it. We will not have organizations like Guiding Eyes of Seeing Eye who have their own breeding programs. We will not have any of the canine events from Rally and Agility to Field Trials, Dock Diving and the Iditarod. We will not have Search and Rescue dogs or dogs working with the police or bomb sqads. This is what good breeders give us. We will not keep this if PeTA, the HSUS or any animal rights groups get their way. Think about that next time you go to an airport and see a dog searching luggage.

If we stop irresponsible owners, then there will be fewer dumped pets. Good breeders do not cater to the impulse buy. Good breeders want their homes to be forever. Bad breeders do not care about this. Irresponsible owners are the reason there are so many unwanted pets and people capitalizing on dogs - not good breeders. For far too many owers, it is easier to give up a pet they never should have had in the first place than to work through issues.

I will not support PeTA or the HSUS. I do not support force, fear, lies and half-truths as PeTA and the HSUS do. I support educated breeding and the education of potential and current owners.

[Karen Edwards]

PETA is not animal friendly and doesn't really care about animals. They merely want to end human/animal interactions of all kinds at whatever cost. Real animal lovers should look very carefully at PETA's policies before backing anything they say or recommend.

It isn't responsible purebred breeders who are accountable for the millions of pets in shelters. It's people who don't take proper care of their animals, let them breed irresponsibly, and don't find proper homes for the resulting offspring. Mixed breed/rescue dogs are NOT healthier than purebreds.

[Dawn]

I will ABSOLUTELY be watching Westminster. The dogs being shown are the Best of the representative Breed, and are the result of years of hard work, investment of both time and funds. This show could educate the public, as to what type of dog would BEST suit them and their lifestyle - thus ensuring forever homes for any dog/puppy they would acquire.

The difference between a responsible breeder (who would be at Westminster) and others from backyard breeders, to puppy mills, to those who just want to breed a dog for the experience and/or for their children to see - is a responsible breeder truly cares for the puppies whom they place - with the majority having contract requirement that the dog be returned to them (if circumstances change) - thus these dogs are not the ones who ended up at the shelters. Appears the majority of the dogs who do unfortunately end up at a shelter, are from the OTHER Group, who are only after the profit (trust me - there is no profit in being a responsible breeder, and caring for your dogs and puppies, with various screenings for hips, health issues, etc..). Perhaps if more attention was placed on accurately indentifying Puppy Mills (and closing them) - this would eliminate a huge percentage of the problem (dogs in shelters).

So - everyone please watch Westminster and support a Group whom truly have the best interest of their dogs.

Bye the way it is the 133 SHOW - that in itself should speak volumes.

[Lorna]

Hell no, USA needs to keep showing Westminister. It showcases what a well bred dog should be. Any dog entered in Westminister is not from a puppy mill nor a backyard breeder. A Westminister entry has to be a champion of record to be even be in the show, the top 10 of each breed is invited to the show. There are many well bred champions that can not get to that show and entries are limited. You will only see the best showcased at this show. And for the dog entered in this show to be full of genetic defects, are you kidding? Do you think judges are stupid? These dogs come from people who care about their breed and who spend time, money and years to accomplish what they exhibit. Do your homework and research your breed, buy from a reputable breeder not a puppy mill. Or go to www.petfinder.com and find your family companion from a shelter or rescue. Last year Pedigree advertized the shelter dogs. This was a wonderful tribute to dogs and the chance save a shelter dog or bring one home to your family. This is just more propaganda from Peta whose only goal it to take away your right to own a pet. Don't let them lie to you with all their propaganda. Learn what their real agenda is before it's too late.

[dkm]

Yes, there are considerable health problems with purebred dogs, especially if the one you bought came from a Pet Store. Their suppliers are puppy millers and commercial breeders, who have little or no interest in producing a healthy animal. They just want your cash and to sell their product.
And there is no guarantee that the dog you adopt from a shelter will be any healthier or free of behavioral issues (possibly of genetic origin) beyond your abilities to deal with.
You, the consumer, have to stop viewing dogs like a commodity. Dogs are living beings. You have to educate yourselves, and take the TIME to find a dog that fits your needs so you can meet it's needs. A dog can be with you for 10-15 years or more.
As for Westminster and PETA's attempts to ban it from USA networks, I agree with the statement posted today by Jemima Harrison of Passionate Productions, the maker of Pedigreed Dogs Exposed in which she expressed a great deal of anger about PETA jumping onto her bandwagon because PETA is the antithesis of what she hopes to accomplish.
I want dogs to always be my companions, especially dogs of my chosen breed. I do not want extremists of any sort telling me how to live my life!!!!!!

[Jeanette]

Hey LA Times, how about a story on celebrities supporting a terrorist organisation (PETA) and leave Westminster alone?
Could it be that both celebrities and PETA are using each other and the media and lift flagging careers and profiles.
Look outside the square and find the real story and truth...will make better reading.

[Holly M]

I am so sick of PETA this PETA that c---. For all of you who think PETA is so great well think again! They waste more money with all their BS stuff like going after hobby breeders when we are not the problem. Good hobby breeders do their job and take it quite seriously about health and temperaments of their dogs. Ninety percent of them are raised in our homes, sleep in our beds and are loved by kids. By spending all this time, money and effort to go after this little pile of breeders who make no money, they could be spending their good dollars in health research, helping shelters keep dogs alive and finding homes, and educating the public who think there are big bucks in breeding dogs. Not to mention all the uneducated people who don’t get their dogs neutered. Why don’t they pay for free spay and neuter clinics with the billions they spend on propaganda and leave us alone!
There is more to dog shows than breeding animals. Showing dogs teaches responsibility, sportsmanship, good husbandry, and most of all how to manage your money.
And making comments about mutts being smarter, healthier and less neurotic than purebreds is asinine. I can dispute that all the way to the bank. I have had both and that is absolutely not true! If people educate themselves to not buy dogs from the internet, newspaper or pet stores; we wouldn’t even be having this discussion.
If the LA Times wants to be responsible, quit taking dogs for sale in the classifieds. Talk about big bucks!

Westminster! YEA!!!!

[AreYouForReal]

To KnowsReality
You state that Mutts are "smarter, healthier, and less neurotic" in comparison to purebreds. What I would like to know is what exactly are you basing this bias on? I have had dogs my entire life. I am 50 years old next month. I have had mutts the majority of the time, and purebreds for the last 7 years.
In my experience, the smartest dogs that I have ever had are my 3 Great Danes. They have never bitten anyone, nor offered to bite someone. They are not only the healthiest dogs that I have ever had, they have the best temperament. I can trust each of them separately and together to put up with the rough housing that my 2 year old grandson dishes out. By the way, the last mixed breed that I had ended up having to be euthanized because he developed an inexplicable hatred of dark haired children and would try to bite them in the face if one came near. This was not a rescue dog, but a dog that we had raised from the tender age of 5 weeks or so, after my daughter found him and his sister dumped by some inhumane human (probably someone who donates to PeTA ) in a cooler filled with an inch of water one wintry November day 16 years ago. He was only 3 years old when we had to have him put down, but as a responsible dog owner, I could not take the chance that he would maul a child.
My 8 month old pup is from show stock, and was bred for health, longevity and temperament as well as for conformation. He is very gentle with my grandson, seeming to understand the disparity between his size, and my grandson's.
This is a free country, and you can support the pet murdering nutcases that gravitate towards PeTA if you like. Please give me the same right to make up my own mind what kind of pet I want....a poorly bred mutt, with health, temperament and mental issues or a healthy, well bred Dane with a great temperament.
PeTA and HSUS need to be exposed for the animal haters that they truly are. Someone a few posts ago asked anyone that says that they support PeTA to Google PeTA quotes and research what you are supporting. I realize that it is asking alot, but I invite everyone to do the same to become familiar with who we are actually dealing with. Be aware....the results will probably shock you!
The sooner that PeTA and the HSUS are hounded out of existence, the better, IMO (pun intended).
Also, SHAME on the person who put the crappy picture of Uno the Beagle at the top of this article. Not difficult to figure out where your sympathies lay, is it?

[Gina Heffernan]

I'm so sick and tired of people like those involved with PETA telling me what I can and cannot do I could just spit.

PETA gives examples of the most terrible things that can happen and those opposing them give the examples of the best. What neither of them say is that MOST people who own purebred dogs have them neutered and don't breed at all. Purebred dogs do have advantages. You know exactly what that dog is going to look like and how big it's going to be. You know it's going to have long hair that sheds all the time or a short coat that means it has to stay in the house in cool weather. Mutts are wonderful and they all deserve to live but every time I get a dog from a shelter, it winds up with parvovirus, distemper, or a previously hidden desire to kill the postman.

I'll watch Westminster if USA doesn't roll over and play dead for a bunch of doomsayers who kill animals just because they believe no one should own them. I'm tired of PETA trying to force their opinions on me.

[Sharon]

I can't believe you are publishing articles on PETA!!! Please do some thorugh investigations of this group and their connections to the national animal terrorist groups Association with Humane Society of United States is. FBI has made report animal activist terrorist groups are a national concern.

I am not a breeder, but have bred one show litter. And all were healthy. Did I know what I was doing - yes. I was raised helping breed dairy cattle in Nebraska.

Don't make blanket statements about health defects of show dogs. Breed clubs have come a long way requiring certain genetic tests on breeding dogs, DNA testing for sire and dam, etc. Good improvements have been seen. Instead do some knowledgeable research on subject, and use some common sense. This blanket statement labeling show dogs as having problems lacks sound medical basis. All humans and animals carry bad recessive genes. You can not label one group as the problem group.

I will always watch Westminster Dog Show. Many wonderful people watch this well known show. Please do not stopping airing of this show. This show is wonderful!

[Gina Heffernan]

I'm sorry, I have one more comment. INCEST is a human concept that is taught to us. Animals have no such inhibition and, in the wild, the gene pool is generally much smaller than in domestic animals. Wild herds and packs do not readily accept stray animals so they are inbred by nature. Nature is still much wiser than mankind.

[Deb]

Please do not allow PETA to take away my choice of being able to watch what I want on television. If you do, where will it end? We have one channel determined by the government? I don't think so, our country wasn't founded on that type of principle. We have a choice of FREEDOM and PETA is wanting to away that choice regardless of whether it is a televison show or a choice of pets.