Theos-Talk Archives (August 1997 Message tl00549)

Someone wrote:

> >Statistically its not the reputable breeders who are the problem with
> >overpopulation, but rather friendly neighbors who breed Fifi and Spot
> >to "see what will happen."  You will find very very few pure bred cats
> >at your city pound, and (I hope) no NFCs.
> 
> I agree that the main cause of overpopulation is the human neglect of
> spaying or neutering animals - however, professional breeders do add to the
> problem.
> 
> I work at a "city pound" here in Idaho and in five years we have had two
> NFC's at different times who were abandoned.  Both were adopted.  Later,
> though, one of the individuals who had adopted one of the NFC's brought in
> his other two cats because he had just found out how "valuable" his new cat
> was and he worried that the NFC would be injured during play or a feline
> fight.  We were unable to find homes for these other two cats and we were
> forced to kill them.  People bringing in their animals when they have
> acquired a "more valuable" pet happens to us about three or four times a
> year.  May not seem like much to some. . .
> 
> The Humane Society of the United States and People for the Ethical Treatment
> of Animals both agree that the practice of professional breeding contributes
> to the exploitation and overpopulation of animals.
> 
> >I don't know where you got this idea, but the hypoallergenic quality
> >of the NFC is natural, and not manmade. I wouldn't know how to do
> >generic engineering if I wanted to.
> 
> I was told that sometimes it is necessary to carefully "in-breed" NFC's to
> keep the line 'pure.'  If I am wrong here, I apologize.
> 
> >It costs us $400 to raise an NFC to 12 weeks. So, I do have to
> >charge at least $400 just to break even. Yes, there is a hierarchy
> >of animals, some costing more than others. This is true for most
> >things.
> 
> Cats are not things.
> 
> >We sell $800-or-more cats to those people with money
> >who want something special that they can show off. But, on the
> >other hand, at least these people have the money to maintain the
> >cat properly once they get it home.
> 
> An animal needs love, also.  What will happen to the cat if it is injured or
> something since these people only want it for show?  Again, we need to quit
> treating animals as things.
> 
> >Most of these do not make good animals for these programs. They
> >have to pass a rigid test to qualify. Only 15% or less of our cats
> >qualify, and my wife Betty is an animal trainer and a tester for our local 
> >Pets on Wheels.
> 
> Well, since MOST shelter animals won't do and MOST of the NFC's won't do -
> doesn't that make all varieties of animals equal when it comes to being
> trained for the Assisted Living program?
> 
> >This is pure opinion. I respect yours, and would expect to see you
> >NOT breeding animals. I personally have seen the joy that good
> >cats can bring to lonely people and feel that I am doing a service.
> >For example, there are customers who have sworn to me that
> >their NFC is the only reason they have for going home each day.
> 
> I more than agree that there is a powerful human/animal bond - I am the
> author of a book coming out in November which addresses just that issue.  I
> am thrilled that most of your animals are so dearly loved - that's what it's
> all about.  And, along with those who share their lives with NFC's, there
> are those who live only for their animals they obtained at a shelter.
> 
> My whole point is simply that many breeders and those who purchase from
> breeders (including those who buy from pet stores) are often unaware or in
> denial of how much impact their decision can have in the lives of many
> sentient beings.
> 
> Kym
> 

I just saw your two pages ,Jerry. you seem as a very wise person. I
don't trust too much Enochian magic and very much less Crowley writings,
but well...if you think it helps you..just be careful.
Your cats page is very beautiful filled with lovely cats. like that
spongy cat in the first page.
The prices are, very, very expensive. just thinking that i really need a
car, and that in Mexico a car (VW) costs 800-1000 dollars, WOW!! it's a
lot of money for a cat, but well....
All of the pure breed animals cost a lot. some carrie some diseases
because the pure breeding makes the animal more propense to suffer
certain sickness than the mixed common varieties.
I really loved the kittens, ALL of them, specially the white-booted
kitten.
Hope to talk to you soon of a more sustancied theme.
Estrella