The Central California SPCA (CCSPCA) believes there is a place for responsible breeding of companion animals. However, inhumane and inadequate breeding facilities exist; therefore, we encourage individuals to exercise caution when purchasing animals from breeders and to consider alternative means for acquiring companion animals.
Alternative means
CCSPCA believes that adoption through humane societies and rescue organizations is critical. Because of the number of animals in need of homes, we advocate that people choose to adopt rather than purchase a pet.
Shelters and breed specific rescue organizations shelter and place purebred animals, many of which would otherwise be euthanized or abandoned by breeding operations. In addition, mixed breed animals often display the personality traits and characteristics one associates with a purebred animal, oftentimes without the health disorders found in certain breeds.
Selling
Pet overpopulation in Fresno City has become a serious issue, resulting in a risk to public safety and health, inhumane treatment of animals, and mass euthanasia of animals. Uncontrolled breeding is a cause of this problem.
The City of Fresno has determined that part of the solution is for all dogs over the age of five months to be altered, unless the owner purchases an unaltered dog license for the privilege of keeping the dog intact and allowing it to breed.
FMC 10-328(a)(3) requires all advertisements of puppies for sale or transfer include their mother’s unaltered dog license. The seller is required to provide a dog license application with the dog.
Purchasing from a breeder
Responsible breeding operations play a role in preserving and enhancing the very best characteristics of their breeds and are committed to the humane care of their breeding animals and their breeding animals’ offspring.
CCSPCA recognizes the role of exceptional breeders that are committed to exceptional care of their animals and those that educate themselves to recognize inherited disorders and sterilize animals that could pass on these disorders.
CCSPCA also encourages breeders to educate themselves on pet overpopulation and make breeding choices that do not further contribute to this pervasive problem.
If people do choose to purchase animals from a breeder, CCSPCA encourages them to diligently research potential breeders to ensure they’re not supporting inhumane and inadequate breeding practices. Some of the characteristics common to irresponsible breeders are as follows:
- substandard health and/or environmental conditions
- substandard animal care, treatment and/or socialization
- substandard breeding practices which lead to genetic defects or hereditary disorders
- erroneous or falsified certificates of registration, pedigrees and/or genetic background
CCSPCA opposes “puppy mills,” for-profit facilities which mass-produce puppies for retail purposes. These facilities routinely subject animals to adverse conditions, such as overcrowding and inadequate sanitation, food, water, socialization, and veterinary care. Substandard breeding practices often lead to genetic defects or hereditary disorders, and these defects along with other health issues and/or negative behavioral traits are often overlooked in favor of financial profit. CCSPCA opposes the mass breeding of puppies for profit and the purchase of these puppies by pet store or internet retailers.