Understanding the Importance of Responsible Breeding Practices for the Health and Welfare of our Canine Companions
Why Spay and Neuter Stipulations Matter in Breeder Contracts
When searching for a new companion for your family, there are a few options to consider. Adopting from a rescue organization or local animal shelter can be a great way to find a furry friend. However, if you have specific needs such as allergies or a preference for a certain breed, a reputable breeder may be a viable option. It is important to ensure that the breeder you choose is not involved in inhumane practices such as puppy mills or backyard breeding for profit.
Breeder contracts is to help control pet overpopulation and prevent unwanted breeding
The intent behind spay and neuter stipulations in breeder contracts is to help control pet overpopulation and prevent unwanted breeding. These requirements are put in place to ensure that the breeder's puppies are not contributing to the large number of animals in shelters and rescue organizations. Additionally, spaying or neutering can have health benefits for the animal and can prevent certain behavior issues. Overall, these stipulations are a sign of a responsible and ethical breeder who is dedicated to the well-being of their puppies and the animal population as a whole.
Responsible breeders carefully select the parents of their litters based on factors such as health history, bloodline, and genetic traits. They do this to ensure that their puppies are healthy and have the best chance at a good life. By requiring spaying or neutering, they can control the number of puppies produced from their bloodline and protect their reputation for producing high-quality dogs. Allowing any purchaser to breed further puppies would take away this control and risks introducing chronic genetic issues into the breed, which could harm the reputation of the breeder and the breed. It is also a way to protect the breed and its reputation in general by ensuring that only the best of the breed are used for breeding.
"The Calgary Humane Society receives over 5000 surrendered pets each year"
When a breeder requires that a new dog be spayed or neutered, they are not only protecting their own breeding program and reputation, but also helping to reduce the number of unwanted litters that end up in shelters. The Calgary Humane Society, for example, receives over 5000 surrendered pets each year, each with a cost associated with their care. Surrendering a pet can also have negative psychological effects on the animal and may make them less likely to be adopted. By requiring spaying or neutering, breeders are actively working to decrease the number of animals ending up in shelters and contribute to animal welfare.
When considering whether to spay or neuter your new pet, it's important to evaluate your reasons for wanting to keep them intact. Many common beliefs about fixing animals are not supported by evidence, and it's important to have a conversation with your veterinarian about any concerns you may have. Keep in mind that having an intact animal requires extra precautions and can come with added responsibilities. For example, having an intact female can be messy, and males can exhibit certain behaviors that require management. Additionally, it's important to ensure that your pet does not accidentally produce a litter.
It's worth noting that most breeders and virtually all rescues require pets to be spayed or neutered. If this is a non-negotiable for you, it's important to be upfront about that when searching for breeders. You may end up paying a higher price or be held accountable for any offspring your pet produces. It's important to avoid supporting puppy mills or other shady breeding practices in order to get an intact dog.
Spay/neuter stipulations are included in breeder contracts for a reason, and it's important to have an open and honest conversation with your breeder about any concerns you may have. Ask for the dog's parent's papers and certificates of health, and ask about genetics and bloodline. By controlling the dog population and breeding intentionally for health outcomes, we can contribute to the well-being of our beloved canine companions.