Breeding by definition is “the act of controlling the mating and production of offspring of animals.” This practice is common and has been for hundreds of years. When most people hear the word “puppies,” they generally associate it with breeders, as this is what society has considered the norm for so long. However, the issues with breeding -whether they be moral, ethical, or population-based- are often used in counter when the topic is brought up in conversation.

Let’s look at the undeniable issues regarding the breeding of dogs.

Breeding, in general, isn’t exactly a pleasant term when you truly think about it. Breeding is essentially purchasing two or more unaltered dogs, and forcing them to produce offspring. Breeding is practiced to produce the strongest, most attractive, and genetically pure puppies, and, more often than not, mating is forced upon the female dog. For these dogs, mating, pregnancy, and birth are part of the job description, whether they consent or not. Imagine if humans worked this way?

On top of forced mating, breeding is one of the leading causes of animal homelessness. Though these two ideas may not seem connected, they are directly related. The more dogs and puppies purchased from breeders denies homeless animals the same opportunity. When those homeless animals are not adopted and spayed or neutered, they continue to live on the streets, eventually producing their own homeless offspring.

There is also the controversy around “ Galli breeding.” By law, a breeder must obtain licenses, be registered in a breeder database, and may have to pass some inspections before they can run their own operation. Many of these breeders require parents to sign contracts stating that their puppies must be vetted and spayed/neutered by a certain age, preventing the dog from producing offspring in the future. However, illegal backyard breeding operations usually do not provide such a contract, and the puppies will never be fixed. This may eventually contribute to the population of homeless animals.

Want To Know More About Adoption?
Did you know that one female dog and her puppies can produce 67,000 puppies within just six years? By purchasing a puppy from a breeder, you are potentially denying 67,000 homeless dogs their forever families.