”What needs to be done is educating the right people,” said Chris Heath of Naperville, who breeds Persian and Cornish rex cats. ”But the law is going to make the responsible people suffer.”
Diane Parish, who breeds Cornish rexes in McHenry County, agrees: ”My opinion is that the legislation is attacking the wrong people. It`s not us versus the shelters. The people who are letting their animals roam free aren`t going to fix them because of legislation. But legislation will affect me because they`re going to know where I am. Being a breeder makes you accessible and makes you a target. There`s no legitimate breeder who even wants a puppy or a kitten in a pet shop. We want them sold through referral and we want them altered.”
Parish said reputable breeders screen buyers, follow up on their animals and heartily support neutering programs.
Most breeders in the Chicago area are hobbyists who offset the expense of breeding through the sale of pets. What they don`t want are more restrictions and fees relating to their hobby, Parish said.
”I think educating people to be responsible owners is the best approach. There are enough puppies and kittens in the world. What we`re trying to do is improve on a breed. Different breeds fit specific needs. People with allergies like Cornish rex cats because they`re hairless. People who live in apartments don`t want a big German shepherd dog. Breeds allow people a choice,” Parish said.
Joan Pocica, regional director of the Cat Fancy Association, has some constructive ideas that do not include legislation.
”We need to go into the shelters and we need to volunteer to help them keep up their paperwork so if they send out an animal that has not yet been altered, we can follow up,” Pocica said.
She also has her eye on research into neutering at a much younger age than is presently customary.
”If it works, then we could alter an animal at 10 or 12 weeks, before the breeder ever lets it out of the house.
”Let`s say they do pass legislation and breeders comply,” Parish said.
”What animals are still going to be around? Farm cats and those owned by Bob and Betty Backyard who don`t give a hoot.”
