Are responsible dog breeders blameless?
No. They are not the main reason why dogs are dying in shelters in 1999 but breeders do contribute to the problem by failing to develop certification and accreditation for community breeders. They need to develop kennel inspections, sanctions and peer review boards similar to other professional service providers, especially for commercial kennels. They need to consult with purebred rescues to gain clearance and approval. They need to be firm on ethical standards, in particular the one that states they must always be available to take back a relinquished pet no matter what the age. The American Kennel Club is only a registry, period. This responsibility falls to local all-breed clubs. Technological developments in the form of DNA testing and microchips can help recognize responsible breeding practices.
