Why Crufts Should Worry Us
Why Crufts Should Worry Us
by Susi on March 15, 2012
in Crufts, dog show, Pulik, purebred dogs
The hair has been standing up on the back of my neck since several breeds were disqualified at Crufts last week following the introduction of the new scheme calling for veterinary checks for the Best of Breed winners.
This is a very, very slippery slope and as dog fanciers, we’re standing at the edge of it. I keep thinking of Martin Niemoller’s quote which I’ve shortened and paraphrased to save space: When the Nazis came for the communists, I remained silent because I wasn’t a communist. When they came for the trade unionists, I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a trade unionist. When they came for the Jews,I remained silent because I wasn’t a Jew. When they came for me, there was no one left to speak out. Now substitute a breed in any of those sentences above: When they came for the American Staffordshire Terrier, I didn’t say anything because I didn’t own an Am Staff. When they came for the Peke, I didn’t say anything because I didn’t own a Peke. You see where this is going.
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From the Dogknobit website: http://dogknobit.com
This reminds me of those shameful and short-sighted PETA activists outside the Westminster Show, protesting that dog breeders undermine the chances of adoption for rescues and shelter dogs! Part of the reason there are so many dogs in shelters and rescue groups is due to irresponsible breeding. The PETA people should be supporting and celebrating the efforts of the hobby show breeders who work so hard to dramatically reduce the appearance of genetically-linked health problems through their breeding programs. The dams are sires are carefully selected to avoid dogs with any health issues, and greatly improve the chances for a puppy to be healthy, without hip dysplasia, elbow problems, eye problems, etc. Puppies that grow into sick or crippled adults, required expensive medical care, often end up in shelters and become rescue dogs, or worse, placed in a kill shelter.
The Crufts movement must be run by the same people who are meddling with womens rights lately. We are strong, smart, and independent. We don’t need any help from Crufts or the extremists trying to pass laws eradicating insurance compensation for birth control, or requiring invasive vaginal ultrasounds for women who choose to terminate pregnancy. Don’t try to control the choices we make with our bodies, or our choice to become the responsible owner of any dog that suits our style. This is supposed to be the Land of the Free. Let’s keep it that way!
Well said! I couldn’t agree more!
Very well said, Beverly. You should be a writer!