RE: “Residents oppose dog breeding kennel”
Upon reading that residents of Elora were wisely opposing the proposed dog breeding kennel, I was proud. However I was disturbed and a bit shocked to note that not one of the oppositions listed had anything to do with the most blatant issue here: the dogs!” Dog breeding kennel” is a fancy, less scandalous name for a PUPPY MILL. Puppy mills are breeding facilities that produce puppies for sale and are inhumane by definition. Having worked in the veterinary field for many years, I can tell you that they are designed to maximize profits and commonly disregard the physical, social, and emotional health of the dogs. The goal is to produce as many puppies as possible with minimal cost to-and maximum financial gain for-the operator, and do not involve love of the animals in any form. Puppy mills CANNOT meet the needs of a dog.These dogs live in inadequate, overcrowded housing, and the poor conditions can also cause puppies to have physical and behavioral problems. Breeders maximize profits by spending little on food, shelter, and veterinary care. The very fact that Cathy Britton proposes this on a 3/4 acre property, in a very small house-sized building with heavy tree lining for privacy, confirms this. Breeding females spend their entire lives in small, filthy cages/kennels without exercise, love or human contact. They are kept perpetually pregnant, regardless of any injuries, infections, or pain they are suffering from, until their tired, worn bodies finally give out( usually at 4 to 6 yrs of age) and they can no longer produce enough puppies.At this point, they are no longer deemed profitable and are killed, as are unsold male dogs. Dont allow yourself to be fooled by breeders’ claims of love, sanitation and licensing, as the very fact that they are irresponsibly overbreeding for profit is irresponsible. Annual Licensing does nothing to stop the abuse, but only addresses issues such as public safety and noise.
I have always considered the Elora community to be evolved, forward thinking, and conscientious good people, and i pray that Mayor Linton and the council will not allow such a shameful blight of humanity to exist in it. I urge the Mayor and the readers to learn more about puppy mills in Canada; visit www.hsicanada.ca/puppymills/ , or watch the documentary “Give Me Shelter” currently on Netflix. You need to be aware of the truth behind the facade that breeders present. Millions of neglected, abandoned pets (1/3) of them purebred) are euthanised each year in North America because breeders irresponsibly upset the balance of nature, by overpopulation, with only their profit in mind. Please consider saving one of these animals from a shelter, rather than buying a pet from a pet store or breeder who only cares about your money.
Nicole Anderson
