Breeding I have a question. - Guinea Pig Cages, Care, Store, Photos of Guinea Pigs and More Forum!

Jenwaite · #1 10-25-09, 05:22 pm

Ok, so I understand the anti-breeder feelings. It is always better to get an animal from a shelter who doesn't have a home. My question is: If there was a day when there was no need for animal shelters, if everyone who took in a pet kept it and cared for it correctly, would responsible breeding then be ok? I'm wondering if the feelings are against breeders in general or just the fact that there are so many homeless animals, so there is no point in breeding except to make money. I'm not talking about puppy mills or anything like that. I mean breeders who care for the animals and do everything right and do background checking and applications similar to adoption. If there were no animals in shelters, then we would need breeders if we wanted pets, correct?

I am in no way saying that I am in support of breeding, I'm just curious to see what other people think.

**TwilightStar** · #2 10-25-09, 05:27 pm

I honestly don't think that will happen for a long long time if it ever does, all we can do is make it a lot better.(But not perfect.)

**Ibbet** · #3 10-25-09, 05:28 pm

There are tons of topics just like this in the "The Kitchen" section of the site.

**akstrohm** · #4 10-25-09, 05:30 pm

I think this is a pretty much impossible scenario, but assuming it happens, I would say it depends on the animal. In the case of a guinea pig, pregnancy is extremely difficult on the animal, and about 20% of sows die giving birth. This is really high and in my opinion not justifiable even if there are no animals in shelters. On the other hand I do support the breeding of many endangered species when done responsibly. So it depends.

Jenwaite · #5 10-25-09, 05:32 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ibbet

There are tons of topics just like this in the "The Kitchen" section of the site.

Really? I looked around and didn't see any asking this question. Maybe I missed them.

**Ibbet** · #6 10-25-09, 05:41 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jenwaite

Really? I looked around and didn't see any asking this question. Maybe I missed them.

Yeah, I will go try to find some.

**Ibbet** · #7 10-25-09, 05:55 pm

Here is one with a similar question:

http://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/...e-rescued.html

I am still looking for the others.

**Kareen** · #8 10-25-09, 05:56 pm

One trip to a rescue and seeing ALL those abandoned, homeless pets, whether they be dogs, cats, bunnies, guinea pigs etc. really has to make you wonder how ANY breeding can be responsible. As far as I'm concerned, breeding is never ever in the best interest of the animal and always for breeder profit. We are a LONG, LONG way away from seeing all shelters empty because each and every animal has found a responsible, loving home so considering breeding in the future because there are no animals to rescue is a pie in the sky dream.

Jenwaite · #9 10-25-09, 06:00 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ibbet

Here is one with a similar question:

http://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/...e-rescued.html

I am still looking for the others.

Ah, well I apologize for asking something that was already asked. Guess I didn't look back far enough in the forum.

Jenwaite · #10 10-25-09, 06:01 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kareen

We are a LONG, LONG way away from seeing all shelters empty because each and every animal has found a responsible, loving home so considering breeding in the future because there are no animals to rescue is a pie in the sky dream.

I know it will probably never happen, but it doesn't hurt to dream.

**Ibbet** · #11 10-25-09, 06:06 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jenwaite

Ah, well I apologize for asking something that was already asked. Guess I didn't look back far enough in the forum.

Oh I didn't mean it in a mean way. Sorry if it sounded like that.

I have found a few more but they are kinda old and different people are here now so maybe more will answer it and differently.

I personally don't think it will ever happen. Plus as long as there are guinea pigs there are accidental litters also.

**rabbitsncavyluv** · #12 10-25-09, 06:06 pm

Whem/ if there is every a day where we do NOT have a huge pet overpopulation problem and no irresponsible pet owners, then maybe we can have a legitimate talk about breeding.

Responsible breeders are very few and far between and no homeless pets is not in the realm of possibility anytime soon.

Jenwaite · #13 10-25-09, 06:13 pm

I know that this impossible scenario will probably never happen. I'm mostly wondering about how people feel about breeding if its not an issue of cruelty or there being so many homeless animals.

**Seonta** · #14 10-25-09, 06:33 pm

The problem is, this wasn't always a problem. There didn't used to be so many homeless creatures. Humans created the problem. Without strict laws- it would just happen again. Humans aren't known for being responsible, they're known for being destructive.

**horsiecutie** · #15 10-25-09, 06:59 pm

I agree with other posters and I personally don't think that that will ever happen but you are right Jenwaite, it doesn't hurt to dream

. IF that ever happened I still don't think I would support breeders because of the risk sows are in. I personally think that, right now, I only support the RESPONSIBLE breeding of endangerd animals. I don't know what your intake on it is but that's just what I think

**crazywiggy** · #16 10-26-09, 03:40 pm

I think IF is the most important point here.

I am against breeding right now because of the overpopulation issues. I am against any and all breeding that is not 100% responsible, ethical etc and always will be.

I would lovwe the laws to reflect the situation.

For example, I think it would be great if ALL breeders required a licence, and that they had to pass a test (like the driving theory test) and be home checked in order to get one. At the same time, I would like accurate details kept of all the animals needing homes. The law could then limit breeders to a certain number of litters per year; ie enough to fulfil demand with no surplus.

In the meantime, I tend to put greater pressure on the worst offenders, ie the BYBs and mill breeders, and pet shops for giving them business. Although I would not buy an animal from any breeder, and advise others to adopt, I am not totally against the truly responsible breeders who are genuinely trying to improve the health, temperament and welfare of their breed / species.

I do think that if we could actually stop all the BYBs and mills, and ban the sale of animals in pet shops, we wouldn't have a problem with overpopulation.

**fridzalone** · #17 10-29-09, 08:07 am

Well...

If the "IF" is the case, i would say yes to breeding.
Because however those pet will die, and they'll extinct if that happen.
But I believe it's not the duty of breeder who will sells the animals, but it's the duty of maybe animal welfare organization such as PETA, ALF, etc. Because they will know what to do with those animals.

**GizzyandMe** · #18 10-29-09, 08:30 am

If you stop dreaming and hoping you might stop working towards a better tomorrow. Together with my Vet (who has become a very good friend) we are work very hard to get the word out to local shelters to start caring about Bunnies, Guinea Pigs etc but with the overwhelming amount of farms in the area (where bunnies are considered a pest as well as the fact that they are everywhere!!! I even have two running around my property - this is not unusual) it is hard and slow going. However I keep hoping, dreaming, praying that one day South Africa will step up and consider not only Dogs and Cats as pets. So as you can see we are not even really AT the Shelter Stage yet so to get the Breeders sorted will take a long time but it is a battle I do not mind help fighting and on days when a breeder is unacceptably rude to me I just sit down and cuddle my Gizzy and then I remember why I am trying sooo hard. So keep trying keep working towards the world we dream off.

"Thank you, Jenwaite, for this useful post," says:
GizzyandMe (10-29-09)