Written by PETA
People passing by USA Network's Rockefeller Plaza headquarters yesterday were greeted by a pack of "dogs" howling against the network's decision to air the Westminster Dog Show. PETA's beagle brigade made sure that everyone heard the ugly truth about doggie beauty pageants and the dog-breeding industry: They kill shelter dogs' chances. That's because when people rush out to buy a puppy like the purebred they saw prancing around on TV, a lovable pup in an animal shelter loses a chance at a good home.
The message is getting through: PETA's "dogs" got plenty of thumbs-ups and "go get 'em's" from passersby, and one woman even cheered, "Yay, PETA! Keep doing what you're doing—great job!"
This year, Westminster added six new breeds to the dog show, while an estimated 4 million animals are still being killed in shelters each year. We can help spread this lifesaving message by reminding our friends and family members that people who really love dogs save lives by adopting their canine companions from animal shelters.
Written by Lindsay Pollard-Post
Jade, eradicating companion animal homelessness entirely may seem a tall order, but we encourage all potential guardians to consider that the breeding industry pumps an endless flood of animals directly into an already oversaturated market. Every dog and cat deliberately bred and sold takes a home away from one of the many millions of animals – both purebred and mixed – still waiting in vain for a loving home. Regardless of how well the animals are treated or how “reputable” the breeders may be, they continue to fuel an industry that drastically exacerbates the overpopulation crisis, with devastating consequences for many animals.
Michelle- Twenty-five percent of dogs in shelters are pure bred, many of them initially purchased by well-meaning guardians who then discard them when the reality of late night walks and incessant barking sets in. Every year, 6-8 million animals of all types pour into animal shelters, and 3-4 million of them never find homes. In light of these appalling statistics, it’s impossible for us to consider any breeding of dogs and cats “responsible.” Many breeders begin with good intentions, but all of them contribute to the overpopulation crisis by producing still more animals while millions already languish in shelters.
By signing up here and giving us your details, you are acknowledging that you've read and you agree to our privacy policy.
If you have a general question for PETA and would like a response, please e-mail Info@peta.org. If you need to report cruelty to an animal, please click here. If you are reporting an animal in imminent danger and know where to find the animal and if the abuse is taking place right now, please call your local police department. If the police are unresponsive, please call PETA immediately at 757-622-7382 and press 2.
Follow PETA on Twitter!