So that's all well and good, right? The Animal Rights Activists should be rejoicing, and patting each other on the back, right? His numbers are reduced, there is an ongoing investigation, someone is going to be watching him to ensure he complies with the order given. Well...
Enter the Facebook page - Save the dogs from Flat Creek Border Collies. They're saying this isn't enough, that all of the dogs need to be removed. They do not feel that there is any chance that this man is anything but pure evil. They're spending their time trashing anyone who says anything positive about this man, and anyone willing to help. On the other hand, there is another Facebook group, who's name I will not post here for fear of drawing unwanted attention onto them, who are doing their best to help these dogs while remaining positive, helpful, level headed and friendly. They've been on the scene, have talked to the breeder and met the dogs. They're helping build dog houses while talking to the owner about spaying and neutering.
So, though this second group(let's call them the Awesome People group), this Awesome People group, wants to see this man stop breeding, they are still willing to help, FOR THE DOGS. They know that regardless, this man is going to get some or all of the dog houses he needs built. This man is most likely not going to have all of his dogs taken away. They have an agenda, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. Their agenda is to get these dogs a safe, warm environment, be it at the breeder's home, or at a new home, if needed. They're taking the time to get to know this man, to find out that he isn't made of pure evil, but is definitely trying to make things right. They understand that this breeder is human, with emotions, with a heart and soul. They accept that he is not a puppy mill, but better defined as a back yard breeder, or even a beginning stages hoarder. To me, this Awesome People group is doing things the right way, affecting change through positive action and interaction.
"But, blogger," you say, "you promised us public shaming, not you going on about the virtues of a group of people you've only interacted with through the internet!"
Well, the public shaming comes in because the Save the dogs group is attacking the Awesome People group. The Save the dogs group is trying to publicly shame these people who are trying to affect change in a positive way, rather than through threats, intimidation and bullying.
All in all, these guys are acting in a disgusting manner. I've never personally observed this kind of behaviour from the ARA's where they mass together into one giant group of hate and spite, but I don't imagine being in such a negative environment is helpful for their state of mind. Save the Dogs won't do anything because this is simply feeding their need for attention, and helping extend their 15 minutes of fame.
To all reading this, I say SHAME ON THEM. They are not helping the situation by making threats, by speaking negatively and insulting the breeders. They are starting infighting between groups that are trying to help, they are putting the people trying to make a difference into a negative light, when they should all be working together.
I might be a breeder, and I do support the rights of all people who breed, provided they do it with the animals' best interest in mind. I think all of these negative people need to grow up, and take a look in the mirror. When all you can do to feel better about yourself is tear someone down, then you need to reevaluate your life.
This breeder in question is doing everything he can to make the situation right - he has reduced his numbers, he is working on new shelters, he is talking to the people who are being polite and respectful of him. He should NOT be being vilified further when the point has been made and he is making changes. Taking away all his dogs will do nothing more than put him on the defensive, cause him to buy new dogs and possibly end up in the same situation again, where he will be unwilling to accept any help at all, due to the hatred that has been flung at him now.
Further reading : this link is well written and informative, and does not allow comments. I think everyone should read it.
As always, I say that comments are open and allowed, but any name calling, insults, unverified claims or any other bad behaviour will be censored. If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.