Feedback On Missouri Auctions Article
Posted on 2007 under Dog Auctions, Just Sad :(, News & Updates |7 Dec
There’s no question that I abhor puppy mills and dogs auction and those who run and participate. Recently I did several articles on dog auctions, one of them Missouri Dog Auctions. I came across some feedback on that article that I wanted to share so that you can get an idea of what a few people are saying.
This comes from KansasCity.com
Dog auctions
My goal as a breeder is to provide a safe and loving environment for the pups that God entrusts to our care. Not all breeders are evil people who desire to harm these wonderful creatures as portrayed by The Star’s recent article.
Good breeders get unjustly berated when the media focus all of their attention on the bad breeder. Instead of pointing a finger at the inadequacies of a few, we should applaud the breeders who care enough to go to educational seminars and sell directly to families who want a high-quality pet to cuddle. Many breeders work tirelessly to save the little pup who won’t survive on its own, but no one ever hears about that because it is not “newsworthy.”
Let me assure you, federal and state guidelines are strict and inspections are not scheduled ahead of time. There is no denying there are breeders who need to be shut down. And there are equally crooked politicians who need to stop believing everything the animal-rights groups are alleging. Some of us deserve praise, not criticism. We all need to be judged on our own merits.
Judy Bower
Five Star Kennels
Trenton, Mo.You know, it’s pretty sad that people don’t take the time to look at the breeders’ side of raising puppies. I feel like people are trying to say all Missouri breeders are puppy mills. That is just not true.
I am a breeder in Missouri, following all the laws and regulations, and let me tell you, I love and care for all my dogs and puppies.
I sell to some of the top pet stores around the United States and have high-quality dogs. I have bought and sold dogs at auction.
I have had friends who have adopted dogs to “do the right thing” who were not able to return the dogs when they would not behave. The shelters were rude to them about taking the animals back.
Liz Kuk
Caulfield, Mo.Appalled, outraged, sickened and angry. These are just a few of the words I would use to describe my feelings when I read the article in The Kansas City Star on the unscrupulous puppy mills — yes, puppy mills throughout Missouri.
The recurring theme centered on the bottom line of money. Statements such as: “Ain’t nothing but money in the bank.” “She’ll do nothing but make you money.” “Are you going to abuse a dog you can sell for $200?” “You don’t abuse stuff you can make money out of.”
Sadly, the auctions are legal. According to the Humane Society of the United States, the auctions “are cruel because dogs are housed in metal cages for hours and sometimes denied food and water.” Jerry Eber, the head of Missouri’s kennel inspection program, said the auctions aren’t abusive and are seldom a problem. Mr. Eber goes on to say, “Whether you like it or not, dogs are essentially a consumer product.”
I believe dogs can — and should — be considered working animals, as well as members of the family. My final comment to Mr. Eber and the promoters and sellers at these auctions is: “Get a job, any job, just not one working with animals. You are dreadfully shameful.”
Rosie Boldridge
Overland Park
One point that I would like to make regarding these ‘reputable breeders’s’ comments is that reputable breeders do not sell to pet stores nor do they buy dogs from auctions. Reputable breeders actually care about what happens to their puppies, who they go to. Dogs sold at auctions often have a plethora of medical and social problems along with questionable pedigrees. No reputable breeder would ever take a chance. Reputable breeder breed for the good of the breed, to make it stronger and better, not just for the cash in puts in their pockets.
I have nothing against reputable breeders. They have very high standards and do not look at their dogs and puppies as a ‘cash crop’. They care, they love their dogs, they guarantee their health and you can bet they carefully interview anyone interesting in one of their puppies to make sure they are going to the best home possible!
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am passionate when it comes to my canine companions as well as dogs
everywhere. It is my mission to raise awareness of any issues that affect
them, from their health, food and nutrition and training to their
welfare. Canine advocacy is something that everyone who cares about dogs
needs to be aware of and we all need to share that and raise our voice for
those who cannot speak for themselves.
by Virginia Greenwood-Warner, on December 10 2007 @ 1:16 am
We do not need any breeders. There is absolutely no need for them, regardless of what they say, they’re only doing it for the money. All dogs are magnificent creatures, no specific breed or look is better than the other.
There are millions of dogs being put down daily so why breed more? (so called pedigreed included
There are millions of dogs abused daily, including pedigreed varieties.
If you feel the need to breed, get yourself into action, although the world is overpopulated already
by bigfanx, on February 17 2008 @ 11:25 am
Good breeder? Bad breeder? Who is to say who is who and what is what?
The OPERATIVE word here is ‘breeding’.
Breeder definition: a person(s) purposefully and deliberately perpetuating live births of canines and/or felines. Whether for income or some other reason, breeders only add to the already dramatic numbers of over-population of companion animals.
Maybe breeders should adhere to one litter per every 3 years … plus early spay/neuter to the animals they bring into this world.
Step back and look at the ever-increasing DEATH tolls that take place every day in local shelters across the U.S…. it’s a staggering number! The shelters can only manage to free up space in the facility by euthanasia…. KILL to make space for new arrivals.
Legislation can only cover so much in breeding facilities that apply for licenses. And law enforcement cannot take down the unlicensed facilities fast enough.
It’s a CATCH-22…. no good solution. What do we do?
by Karen Rasmussen, on February 19 2008 @ 8:43 pm
Liz Kuk received her USDA license in 2005. On 1/11/06 her USDA inspection report stated, “The outdoor wire enclosure containing 2 Boxers has inadequate shelter from the cold. Old hay in one barrel but only dried leaves in the transport carrier. No wind or rain break at the entrance of either shelter. On 3/12/07 her USDA inspection stated, “Water receptacles in 5 of the outdoor enclosures have green residue on the inner surface. The dogs are in contact with sharp wire points in enclosures”. LOVES AND CARES FOR ALL HER DOGS AND PUPPIES? Her animal inventory count on 3/12/07 was 95 dogs and puppies. How could she possibly love and care for them all? Can not wait for her 2008 report and will request it, as anyone can, from the USDA via the Freedom of Information Act. Be informed!
by Liz Kuk, on April 30 2008 @ 10:04 pm
All of my animals are loved and well cared for. I AM NOT a perfect person, ARE YOU? My animals are never deprived of exercise food water attention baths grooming vaccinations or LOVE. You can look at all the USDA reports you want to look at. Also note when looking at the reports, all things that noted was fixed within a reasonable time even that day before the inspector left in some cases!!! If that is the worst things you can dig up than IN THIS NOT SO PERFECT WORLD we live in I’M NOT SO BAD. I know puppy mills are out there, it makes me sad to think of any animal be treated bad. My animals are not mistreated in ANY way. If you want to Slam People and their Kennels as puppy mills GO FIND A REAL PUPPY MILL…
Me and My Family take great PRIDE in our Kennel and our animals.
Kuks West 160 Kennel
by bigfanx, on April 30 2008 @ 11:44 pm
Ms Kuks decided to respond on this forum about her love for her dogs and breeding more … I’m not sure why. But, what she says “I know puppy mills are out there, it makes me sad to think of any animal be treated bad.” makes me angry!
If you think your kennel is a good kennel and breeding facility.. and you say you know of WORSE places, REAL puppymills… then get out there and SHUT THEM DOWN. Report them!! Don’t hesitate for even a moment…they are making a bad name for all breeders, don’t you think?
My problem with dog/cat breeders… well, I think I’ve already stated that… TOO MANY ANIMALS already, not enough adopters, too little SHELTER SPACE. And TOO MANY BREEDERS (good and bad) keep adding to the over-population… and euthanasia numbers. Is this madness ever going to stop?
by Liz Kuk, on May 2 2008 @ 8:48 am
I have never seen a puppy mill but, if I had I would turn them in… Just the stories I have seen on the News and newspapers.