- Dog Owner
Responsibility: We believe that dog owners have a responsibility to provide
proper care for and humane treatment of their dogs, including an adequate and
nutritious diet, clean water, clean living conditions, veterinary care, kind
and responsive human companionship, and training in appropriate behavior. This
responsibility includes the right to make humane decisions regarding the
welfare of dogs in the capacity as owners, not guardians. This responsibility
will be fulfilled through objective measures of the dog’s well being and not
determined by “one size fits all” descriptions of physical enclosures or other
means of containment or control.
- Public Education:
We support public education about responsible dog ownership, dog training and
behavior, and responsible dog breeding. Owners are encouraged to appropriately
train, control and permanently identify their dogs and breeders are encouraged
to provide reasonable assurances that the dogs they produce are sound in body
and mind.
- Dogs in the Service of
Humans: We support the humane use of dogs in service to humans. This
includes the use of dogs in sporting events, working activities, as service
animals, in competitions, and where no scientifically valid
alternative exists, in research.
- Breeding and Veterinary
Care: We support the responsible breeding of dogs for specific purposes and
vest in the dogs’ owners the right to make decisions regarding euthanasia and elective surgery for their dogs in
consultation with licensed veterinarians.
- Rescue and Adoption:
We support the rescue and re-homing of adoptable dogs and encourage dog
breeders and owners to support dog rescue efforts. We promote transparency in
reporting of animal shelter intake and disposition numbers so that canine
population issues can be identified and addressed based on accurate data.
- Legislation: We
promote laws which support dog owners’ rights to make decisions regarding the
care and welfare of their dogs. We oppose laws that redefine the relationship
between dog and owner so that the owner’s constitutionally protected rights are
in any way diminished.
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