To the editor:
In response to Sarah Henricksen's letter...
As a nation, we claim to love dogs and cats. Millions of households have pets, and billions of dollars are spent yearly on pet supplies and food. But we should take a hard, sobering look at some other annual statistics. It has been estimated that at least 3 million to 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year and 25 percent of dogs in shelters are purebred.
Needless to say, it appears we humans aren't bothered by destroying these living creatures who have become throwaway items - to be cuddled when cute and abandoned when inconvenient. Such disregard for the animals that God gave us dominion over pervades and erodes our culture. It seems to confirm that greed and ignorance have overtaken common decency.
It is the common practice of puppy mill owners to breed dogs over and over again. These dogs have a very poor quality of life and are often handled inhumanely. Much of the time these puppy mill owners remove the puppies from their mothers at too young of an age in order to maximize profit, resulting in health and behavioral problems. They are also bred without regard for temperament, genetics or health.
Question 1: Why would an ethical person object to an audio or video recording of his facility if they provide a clean, safe environment and humane treatment for the raising of animals?
Question 2: If we can't legislate morality, can we at least regulate behavior?
I am in support of the Dog and Cat Breeder Regulation Bill S.F. 462/H.F. 702. This bill provides regulations for those whose conscience and compassion are not enough to prevent cruelty to animals.
I will close with a quote from Andy Rooney (CBS 60 Minutes), "The average dog is a nicer person than the average person."
Susan Allen
New Ulm