Scott Mooneyham, for the sake of humane treatment of animals, how can you feel as you do about puppy mill legislation?

Furthermore, who is fighting? What is your definition of a legitimate breeder? It sounds as if, in your opinion, it's someone who takes issue with Animal Control inspecting the housing of its breeder dogs and puppies.

Breeders -- legitimate by your definition or not -- make a profit from selling puppies and therefore should pay to be licensed and inspected.

Loving, responsible, respectful breeders strive to better the breed and keep the dogs they love pure and healthy, and they won't argue with inspections and fees.

Animal shelters are governed by the state Animal Welfare Act. Animals that end up in these shelters come from an unregulated industry that includes puppy mills. Animal shelters are places to which breeders can take their so-called retired breeder dogs and puppies born sick or with deformities due to horrid housing conditions and out-of-control breeding practices. These animals are euthanized, and tax dollars pay for their humane death.

Some animals end up in a different kind of shelter and are provided for through donated monies from caring citizens. Sometimes money and care are not enough for these mentally and physically tormented and tortured dogs and puppies.

Requiring farm animals and breeding dogs to be provided the "basics" in animal care is the least we should do!

You used the word "fight," Mooneyham. Well, you're on! Come with me to puppy mills and shelters (that have the terrible job of euthanizing animals). I will fight back my anger and tears, and you might do the same.

Cindy Bristow

Solutions for Animals, Inc.

Raeford