Lately there has been much conflicting information in the press regarding animal rights groups, and those who support animal welfare,
thanks to the controversial AB1634 bill battled recently in California.

ANIMAL WELFARE ADVOCATES:

These are individuals and organizations who are anti-animal abuse, who support the health and welfare of all companion animals,
and understand the importance of happy homes, sound veterinary care, and life-long love. Whether these pets come from show breeders,
shelters, or rescue situations, the goal is to place them in the very best home situations possible. All pets are entitled to this kind of love and support.

ANIMAL RIGHTS ADVOCATES:

These are individuals and organizations who believe no animal should be “owned” by humans, be they family pets, show dogs, Search And Rescue,
therapy, police dogs, or service animals. These organizations include People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the Doris Day Animal League,
the Humane Society of the US, and the Animal Liberation Front, among others. Their agenda is to eventually end all animal ownership/guardianship.

MANDATORY SPAY/NEUTER ORDINANCES/LAWS:

Animal welfare advocates, including responsible show breeders and exhibitors, veterinarians, and pet owners, believe that companion and performance
animals should be neutered and spayed. However, it’s important to know that the optimal age for sterilization is after 6 months of age. Early sterilization
can adversely affect the bone growth pattern in dogs, which may affect their overall health and longevity. This is particularly true if dogs are to be used in
performance events such as obedience and agility.

Residents of any community, faced with mandatory spay/neuter laws and ordinances, should research the subject and the potential for being misled before
supporting these bills. It’s vital that citizens make informed decisions.

Bills such as AB1634 call for early sterilization of nearly all dogs, with few exceptions; and those exceptions require unreasonable fees. Remember - if all dogs
are sterilized, there will be no more family pets, service dogs, therapy dogs, police canines, and Search And Rescue dogs.

For more information on the personal rights of individuals to own dogs and the proposed abridgment of these rights, please visit:

www.PetPAC.net and www.AKC.org.

Reprinted by permission of the author, Jennifer Roberson.