I am pleased to see the proposed legislation (SB460) designed to restrict the rights of all breeders because the abhorrent actions of the few were not successful this past legislative session. We all want our companion animals to be loved, healthy and well cared for. Fortunately, the recent raids on puppy mills demonstrate that North Carolina already has the laws and the resolve to shut down hoarders and commercial breeders who do not properly provide for their animals.

As a member of a national purebred dog club, I spend an incredible amount of time and money supporting research into genetic canine diseases, helping enforce breeder ethics codes and developing club policies to ensure our puppies are bred and placed with their well-being the utmost consideration. And now, because of proposed legislation designed by HSUS and PETA workers to restrict and even eliminate the right to breed, energy must be diverted to fighting this wrong-headed legislation.

Moore County is a wonderfully dog-friendly area with numerous organizations involved in rescue, spay/neuter clinics and dog enrichment events. Come to the Moore County Dog Show, Sept.12 and 13, at the Harness Racetrack in Pinehurst and talk to the breeders there. Watch them work with the breed they love, proudly showing their third, fourth, fifth generations. Listen to them describe their careful breeding programs that produced the beautiful, healthy and well-tempered companion animals we all can enjoy. Take advantage of the microchip clinic and rabies vaccination clinics offered by the Moore County Kennel Club. See why legislation that would restrict these breeders to arbitrary numeric limits is as wrong-headed as restricting the size of all families because some parents are abusive!

Betty Chapman

Whispering Pines