Don't base your choice of dog on a movie!

(2006-04-10)

The SPCA movement is bracing itself for the consequences of a soon to be released movie featuring Huskies. Previous experience indicates that whenever a film featuring a certain breed of dog (think 101 and 102 Dalmatians, for example), people rush out to buy puppies of that breed based on either looks or on the appealing behaviour of the dogs in the movie.

Reality is different.

People acquiring puppies or dogs without doing their homework on the specific breed or without being fully prepared for the breed traits may be encouraging and supporting backyard and unscrupulous breeding. Once the novelty has worn off, the result is inevitable. Dogs are surrendered to welfare organisations or are given away – frequently with the dreadful consequences about which the NSPCA has tirelessly warned.

An appeal is being made to people NOT to acquire a Husky based on a movie.

Huskies are pack dogs, unsuited to being kept as individuals or to being left in gardens or back-yards, no matter how large. Huskies require considerable exercise and are not easy dogs to own.

It is not about having the funds to “care” for them. It is about genuinely having the level of interest and time for the duration of the dog’s life. Huskies can live for over 10 years.

Information on this and other breeds is readily available.

Enjoy the Disney movie when it arrives but please don’t let it lead you to an impulse buy of a pet that may be unsuited to your surroundings and lifestyle. We wish we could prevent “speculator” breeders from exploiting what they no doubt see as a monetary opportunity but they would be out of business if it were not for public support.

Our concerns include the welfare of the so-called “Breeding dogs” or “Breeding stock” as those in the business refer to them.

A dog is for life – or should be!