Animals are regularly adopted from rescues while dog breeding has taken a downturn; it is becoming less socially acceptable to purchase a dog from a breeder. Part of this stems from the idea that there are too many dogs and that breeders are contributing to the homeless dog population. A study in the United States has shown that this is not the case, purebreds make up a very small proportion of homeless dog.
The homeless dog population in North America is declining and has been for years. This can cause rescues and shelters to run out of adoptable dogs. A simple solution to this problem is to import dogs from other jurisdictions, countries, and even continents. However, the importation of dogs does not help the environment that they came from. It does not help other dogs. It does not help the dogs or people in our own country; in fact, humane relocation poses serious health risks to our pets and to civilians. How can health regulations be enforced? What guidelines are in place to allow a dog to enter the country? Should the movement of these dogs into the country be tracked and regulated? Is there a way to recast this dilemma as an opportunity to enrich communities or should these imports be shut down?
People are also concerned about the ethics of animal rescue. Is it always truly best for the animal? Another concern is the increasing behavioural problems that people are experiencing and the increase in dog bites. As rescue dogs become more prevalent in the adoption environment from myriad sources, issues in the areas of health and socialization have emerged. Who should be assessing dogs to ensure they contribute to a safe environment for people and animals?
Get the facts, have your say, move the industry.
If you are interested in participating at the 2015 Summit for Urban Animal Strategies please contact Shannon Woodward, Urban Animal Program Manager.
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