Puppy Mills vs. Breeders

How many of you saw the recent Oprah show on puppy mills? It’s getting a lot of mileage in the cat and d*g Internet community, and among animal advocates of every furry purr-suasion.

“Kitten mills” aren’t as common, perhaps because the demand for pedigreed cats isn’t on the same level as that of d*gs.

Universally the pet-loving community condemns puppy mills.

The professional, responsible d*g breeders and fanciers, though, had concerns that their own hobby would be painted with that same horrid brush. When the show aired, many were satisfied and relieved that purebred dog fanciers were presented in a fair light.

Yet, I also have read communications from those who saw the same Oprah show. They are happily convinced that those “awful terrible purebred breeders” got their comeuppance--and indeed, seem intent on dumping puppy mills, backyard breeders, and the responsible professionals into the same bucket. They are using the show to leverage their mandatory spay/neuter initiatives.

It just goes to show you that people will hear and see what they want.