Boy, talk about one hot topic! Whether to breed puppies, kittens, foals, birds . . . anything . . . is about as controversial as it gets. I think if you got the proponents of each side of this argument in the same room it would make the debate over health care look tame. There would probably be some blood shed, and I, for one, would not want to be present!
I am not a wimp. But neither am I an activist. I happen to believe that fighting against something — anything — precludes the time and energy needed to support or further its opposite. For example, if you spend all your time demonstrating against war, you are giving no focus to the efforts needed that will promote peace. It’s a no-brainer. (I know not everybody feels this way, but to me it is just so obvious.)
Anyway ……….. back to our to-breed-or-not-to-breed controversy.
I, as much as anyone, would like to see our world reach zero population growth — for humans as well as animals. But you know what? That doesn’t mean that nothing will continue to procreate. This too is a no-brainer. Just think about it. If everybody quit having babies — I mean really quit — the human race would go out of style in about a hundred years.
Okay, you non-breeders. Apply that to our beloved animals and this earth would be barren of everything furry, feathered or finned within, oh, maybe 30 or 40 years. Is that what you are really wanting? And do you think for one minute the animal-lovers on this planet are going to let something like that happen?
I know I am painting an extremely exaggerated scenario. But if you have ever listened to someone who is adamant about this topic, this is exactly the scenario that would come about if their position prevailed.
Of course this scenario will never happen because nothing will ever quit breeding. I, for one, am happy about that. I do wish for a leveling off of the populations that exist on Planet Earth, but I cannot stand to think of spending the rest of my life never seeing another puppy or kitten, spring bunny, baby lizard or songbird. Life would not be worth living.
My bottom line? Dare I take a stance? L’il ole’ non-activist me?
My vote is for responsible breeding, whether it’s to have a human baby or to bring any other kinds of babies into this world. I’m against breeding just for money, for particular genetic traits, or just for fun. But I believe there is a place for a well-bred jumping horse — and will be as long as we humans enjoy the sport; and for strongly-bred rescue dogs; and for all kinds of companion animals; and God knows for our invaluable service animals; and, yes, even for the feral-bred tom cat in my barn? (I wouldn’t trade big bucks for how he helps keep my property free of vandalizing varmints, though I do hope to catch and neuter him some day).
And our wild ones? Just try maintaining a healthy eco-balance on this planet without them.
The real question here — while we become more conscious about slowing down population growth for all species — is how to help the lost and homeless among us. And that includes a huge segment of us humanoids.
So my vote on this breeding issue? Work for those rescues, lend a helping hand to the homeless, put your efforts into rehabilitating what we have neglected. Use your energy for, for, for rather than against, against, against.
(Oh, and by the way. If you are radically anti-breeding but are also a confirmed meat eater, does that mean you’re ready to become a vegetarian? Because that’s what’ll happen if your side “wins.” Just another controversial thought to gnaw on.)
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Oh well, while we’re at it, here’s another hot topic to contemplate:
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