The American Kennel Club has been at the forefront of opposition to improved breeding regulations across the nation, measures that could shut down more puppy mills.
But of course, the AKC receives funding through breeding operations. The more breeders, the more money. So when a state like North Carolina introduces a bill that might close down breeding operations that do not meet minimum standards of care, the AKC kicks its opposition into high gear.
The WRAL article I linked to yesterday included the following:
The bill would not apply to dogs being bred or kept as hunting dogs or show dogs and would only apply to breeders with 10 or more breeding females on the premises.
But the AKC has said it is unfair to regulate breeders more stringently than other dog owners, and it has objected to any state inspection of facilities.
True, the bill should regulate all breeders. But to suggest breeders would be regulated more stringently than “other dog owners” is categorically false. If a family was caught treating their pets the way puppy-mill breeders are allowed to treat their dogs, the family would be charged with animal cruelty every time.
I’ve said it before and I will say it till the NC laws change. If you want to abuse, neglect, or mistreat innocent dogs, North Carolina is the state to live in.
Linda,
Sadly, you are right. There are other states we can post similar statements about, but no state should fall into that category.
How we are still not protecting animals from abuse with at least laws on the books is beyond belief.