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SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY
TO ANIMALS (SPCA) OF CENTRAL FLORIDA, INC.
POSITION STATEMENT
BREEDING/SELLING OF DOGS AND CATS
The SPCA of Central Florida identifies pet overpopulation as a significant
community problem and, for this reason, opposes the apathetic, careless
and or irresponsible breeding or selling of dogs and cats. Each year,
thousands of unwanted animals, purebreds and mixed breeds, are put to
death or die - starved or diseased - having been discarded and left
to their own resources.
Despite the best efforts of responsible animal welfare organizations,
there is still a consumer demand for purebred animals. Promoting and
responding to this demand are dog and cat breeders who are in the business
of breeding animals for profit. Given that this situation exists, the
Society believes that breeders must be of the highest ethical standards
and must provide appropriate housing, nutrition, medical care, nurturing,
socialization, and exercise for the animals in their care. Appropriate
care includes routinely testing breeding animals for genetic defects
and disease, breeding animals no more than once a year and transporting
animals only after they reach 8 weeks of age.
The Society believes those who breed an animal have a responsibility
to see to it that the offspring receive lifetime, loving care. In addition,
breeders have the responsibility to discuss responsible pet ownership,
including the need to spay or neuter, as well as local animal ordinances
with the new owner. Breeders should investigate the potential adoptive
home to ensure that the environment is adequate for the animal.
The Society believes stores that sell animals have a similar responsibility
and must provide appropriate housing, nutrition, medical care, nurturing,
socialization, and exercise for the animals in their care. In addition,
stores that sell animals have the responsibility to discuss responsible
pet ownership, including the need to spay or neuter, as well as local
animal ordinances with the new owner.
The Society finds the sale of companion animals from puppy mills and/or
other irresponsible breeders unacceptable under any conditions.
Revised and approved by the Board of Directors: December
14, 2004
SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY
TO ANIMALS (SPCA) OF CENTRAL FLORIDA, INC.
POSITION STATEMENT
FIGHTING OR "BAITING" OF ANIMALS
The SPCA of Central Florida is unalterably opposed to so-called blood
sports such as dog-fighting, cock-fighting, bull-fighting, and similar
spectacles.
In addition, the Society is opposed to "baiting" of animals
or so called bloodless sports which tease, torment and stress animals.
The Society maintains that all of these animal contests or activities
are inhumane due to harassment, suffering, and torture of the animals
forced to participate. Torture of animals for fun and/or sport is degrading
and unfit for a civilized society.
Approved by the Board of Directors: June 22, 1999
