The difference between Greyhounds and human beings is,
when Greyhounds retire, they get OUT of Florida
Elayne Boosler

Shnuffy Boosler says,
"I'm fixed, and I can still play the piano!"

The American Kennel Club - The NRA of Animals
 by Jane

How scary are the anti-spay/neuter ordinance comments in the article below from the idiot who "doesn't want to take his dogs "manhood" away"? (These guys don't mind getting their female dogs spayed.)
Even more disgraceful (because they supposedly come from "educated" people), are the comments of the American Kennel Club representative. I believe the AKC is more responsible for dog overpopulation than any other single organization. The AKC is like the NRA of animals; hopelessly outdated ideas ("Dogs are people's property and owners have the right to do what they want with their "property"). Yeah, like crop their ears and dock their tails without anesthetic, and breed and breed them until they are worn out.
*TOJ NOTE: Because of the physical traits mandated in dogs for arbitrary standards of "beauty" determined by the AKC, all breeds now suffer inherent weaknesses caused by that selective breeding. Example: The AKC likes low German Shepherd hips, now Shepherds commonly suffer from excruciating hip dysplasia. And on and on. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has simply become the bathing suit portion of the Miss America pageant. What it has to do with the inherent dogness of dog joy and being, we have no idea. True dog lovers do not consider thinking, emotional, sentient beings "property". They are family. That is why we are not their "owners", but their "guardians". Even my sister had anesthetic for her nose job. And like every dog, she looked better before.

IT'S TIME FOR THE AKC TO JOIN THE REST OF US IN THE 21ST CENTURY.

EMAIL LISA PETERSON OF THE AKC AND LET HER KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF HER AND HER ORGANIZATION'S OLD-FASHIONED NOTIONS OF DOG "OWNERSHIP."

Communications@akc.org

Newspaper Article (edited for space)
San Gabriel Valley Tribune Date: Apr 17, 2006 6:46 PM

By Nisha Gutierrez Staff Writer
April, 2006

What started as a plan to reduce attacks by pit bulls and Rottweilers may
expand into a law making spaying or neutering mandatory for most dogs in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.

On Tuesday the county Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing and
vote on a law officials said is designed to cut down on dog attacks, pet
overpopulation and pet euthanasia.

"Our department is overwhelmed with animals, there are so many unwanted dogs out there and it's a concern for several reasons," said Marcia Mayeda, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control.

"There is so much pet overpopulation and last year alone 18,000 dogs were euthanized in just L.A. County. Something has to be done."

The ordinance, proposed by Supervisor Mike Antonovich, carries a list of
regulations, most significantly the mandatory spaying or neutering of all
breeds of dogs in the incorporated areas of Los Angeles County by the time they are 4 months old. It would also require the implantation of a microchip to help identify lost dogs.

While the ordinance would include all breeds, Mayeda said exceptions include law enforcement dogs, service dogs who aid the disabled, competition dogs, purebreds and dogs with a valid medical excuse from a veterinarian.

"The ordinance is very humane and the idea is not to burden responsible pet owners but instead to target irresponsible pet owners who allow their dogs to breed out of control," said Tony Bell, Antonovich's spokesman.

If adopted, the ordinance could affect more than 1.5 million residents.

Although the ordinance has gained support since being revised, some are
still opposed to it.

"My dog is male so getting him fixed would make me feel bad because it would be taking his manhood away," Ramon of Baldwin Park, said. "I just
wouldn't want to do that."

Officials from the American Kennel Club said they are opposed because they believe spaying or neutering dogs should be a choice left to owners.

"We are against mandatory legislation because we feel that dogs are people's property and owners have the right to do what they want with their property," said Lisa Peterson, AKC spokeswoman.

Mayeda said the county is working to provide low-cost spay and neuter
programs.

If the ordinance is passed, officials said it would take about 30 days to go
into effect. People who do not comply may be fined $250 for a first
violation and subject to a misdemeanor and jail time if the violation is not
corrected within 30 days.

Jocelyn of Azusa said she'd be supportive if the ordinance were
approved and adopted in her city.

"I think it would be good for the dogs," said Medallo, who owns Buster, a
black German shepherd. "People might feel inconvenienced but if you think about it there will be less homeless dogs out roaming without food and water and neighborhoods probably would be safer."

TOJ UPDATE: The ordinance passed. We THANK the board of supervisors. Now please put teeth into the ordinance with adequate funding for enforcement.

Archive