Minor Analysis

Most people agree that puppy mills should be closed or at leastmonitored, but others disagree. Some feel that it is difficult todefine breeding and therefore it should be completely legal. Many feelthat laws should govern breeders, but others feel that it would get inthe way of their practice. Just defining "puppy mill" can be an arduous task. Breeding can be aMom and Pop establishment that involves friends and family. And, onthe other hand, it can be a big business that involves huge revenue. The problem at large, however, is the treatment of animals. Oftenlarge-scale operations slip under the radar and are able to operatewithout governance. Discovering the mistreatment of animals is onlyrecognized once someone has complained. It seems impossible forhundreds of animals to be properly cared for in one establishment,especially when different types and breeds of animals are involved. P.E.T.A., an organization committed to animal safety feels thatstricter laws should in place for dog breeding. Breeders have beenaccused of mating dogs for their looks, instead of preserving thebreed. According to a letter to the A.K.C., from P.E.T.A., they areasking the A.K.C to stop televising dog showed because they feel itpromotes ill-intentioned breeding. States like Ohio have little to no laws protecting dogs within theconfines of a breeder or mill. According to the states website, dogsshould be cared for, but a court ordered search warrant is necessaryto enter private property. Thus making monitoring mills or breedersdifficult. The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) is in play, but again lacks thedefinition of mills, commercial dealers, and breeders. All three oftenoperate under very different standards and P.E.T.A. representativesfeel that they should individually be held accountable. In addition,the AWA does not cover commercial breeders who sell to the public. Options differ on the governance of breeders and mills, but somestates, including Virginia are passing stricter laws on the issue.
Part Two 1) Laws regarding dog breeding mandate limits on the amount and agesfemale, the housing of these animals, and requires them to obtain abusiness license. Breeders within the state can have no more than 30 female dogs bredat one time and they must be within the age of 18 months and eightyears. This, according to the law, can protect dogs from overbreeding. In addition, all dogs must be kept in floored cages, because somefeel that wire cages can damage the paws of dogs. The law also takes the health of dogs into account. Dogs mustmaintain an exercise regime and breeders must seek regularveterinarian care. Finally, commercial dog-breeding operations are now required toobtain a business license and are subject to health inspections. 2) Most would agree that dogs deserve a fair chance at life. A newlaw in Virginia requires that breeders follow laws to ensure thesafety of dogs. This law comes as a relief to dog lovers andrequires—among other things—that commercial breeders obtain a license,submit veterinarian records, keep the dogs on the floor in comfortablecages, and let them out for exercise. Too few laws have governed breeders and puppy mills are out ofcontrol. While some feel that inspections can be invasive, they shouldbe subject to inspection just like every other business. If they haveproblems with inspections, which are understandable, they should askthat the inspectors contact them prior to arrival to ensure that it isa good time to visit. 3) Once again, animals are being put a head of people. Innocentbreeders are now subject to many new laws that require a myriad ofintrusions like veterinarians and state inspectors. The law now in effect in Virginia takes the business of dog breedingway too far. It is unfair to assume that all large-scale breederscommit crimes. It seems that all we hear about are the bad stories.What about the hundreds of reputable breeders, just trying to make alittle money? Inspections and veterinary rules can be too costly. Law abidingbreeders are now under the radar and at risk of financial collapsebecause of this law. 4) Most businesses in the U.S. are somehow governed. The addition ofthe breeding laws in Virginia only round out other laws surroundingbusinesses. Restaurants are required to uphold particular temperaturesfor safety. Thus it only makes sense for breeders to do the same forthe living being they are raising. Proponents of this law are responding to the outcry of breeders,animal welfare activists, and lawmakers. This comes as little surpriseto the aforementioned organizations because they have long tried forsuch laws. This law is only applicable in Virginia. That leaves 49 other stateswith potentially weaker governance of dog breeding. Constraints havebeen placed because breeders can simply relocate if they wish to notbe inspected.