Letters to the Editor

2/10/11 6:00pm

Online Comment of the Week In response to "Puppy Mill needs further regulation," Feb. 4:

As a Maine Coon breeder for almost 30 years, I can assure you that pedigreed cats are less than 2 percent of cats that are found in shelters across the nation. These statistics have been verified, but the animal rights activists, whose ultimate goal is to eliminate all pet ownership, will continue to propagate their lies, and well-meaning animal lovers do not bother to question them. Breed rescue groups remove purebreds, or cats that even appear to be purebred, from shelters all over Texas. I doubt that anyone visiting the SPCA or other local shelter will find any purebred cats.

I fully support adoptions and, as President of the Houston Cat Club, I have direct experience with providing free space to all shelters in our area for adoptions at the Houston Charity Cat Show. However, I also support the protection of our beautiful breeds of cats and do not think anti-breeder legislation is the answer.

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Reputable breeders do not contribute to overpopulation; it's the folks who get a kitty (not from a breeder) and will not spay or neuter their pet. "Oh let's just have one litter; kittens are SOOO cute." But the kittens grow up and are abandoned or taken to a shelter. It's heartbreaking.

For an alternate point of view, one I consider to be correct, please read what the Responsible Pet Owners Alliance has to say about Animal Rights vs Animal Welfare. This link has many informational brochures to help those interested in finding out more about the animal rights activists' agenda. http://www.rpoatexasoutreach.org/ Brochures_Flyers.htm

The Cat Fanciers' Association Legislative Group also has good information for people who are interested in a pro-animal perspective. http://www. cfainc.org/client/orglegal.aspx

Becky Carazzone

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