It’s best to adopt dogs over mass breeding: Activists

GO BEYOND SHOW DOGS AND FINE FUR WHEN YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A PET; HEALTH HISTORY IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN PEDIGREE | With many misconceptions, threats and even health hazards looming large, it is paramount that pet parents do the right thing by their fur babies, especially when looking at adoption over breeding

- Sunayana Suresh

The pandemic has seen a considerable rise in the number of families that have adopted pets. In addition to subtly promoting pet adoption, the recently released 777 Charlie which stars a labrador, also highlights the ill-effects and health risks that inbreeding among dogs causes. Ironically, the film is said to have seen a spike in the demand for labradors, leading to more inbreeding, rather than adoption. Expert breeders and animal welfare board representatives tell us how to be responsible pet parents.

OFFICIAL WORD: HOME BREEDING IS ILLEGAL

Aniruddha Ravindra, warden, Karnataka Animal Welfare Board, explains, “Pet parents need to remember that home breeding is illegal. In India, one requires legal licensing and certification to become a professional breeder. Accurately maintained medical history and certificates of both dogs are mandatory. The Animal Welfare Board of India suggests that breeding should be between dogs from two different areas as most dogs around an area could be related. Overlooking that leads to genetic and health issues.”

ADOPTION OVER BREEDING

While people seem to have a fascination for imported breeds and show dogs, animal activists say it is best to adopt instead of shopping for pets or encouraging mass breeding. “There are so many dogs who were abandoned, especially in the last two years and need a home. I agree we need to streamline the process of adoption, but I would consider it the best option as you will be there for an animal in need of a home,” Aniruddha says.

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