Over the years, the Classifieds section has greatly
expanded. No problem there – I’m sure it represents needed income
for HCN, and the advertising has been an
extension of HCN’s mission to report news of
Western resource issues. However, I was quite dismayed with the
Aug. 20 ad for the sale of an AKC female Yorkie pup named Jazz.
What’s next – ads of babies for adoption?
The intended
breeding of purebreds such as AKC Yorkies and the careless
consequences of not fixing the pet at home (check out local “free
kitten” ads and posters) add up to a simple, but tragic, math
equation: Too many puppies and kittens – too few available (and
suitable) homes = nearly 4 million pets killed annually at animal
shelters in the United States. Given that 25 percent of pets
surrendered to shelters are purebreds like Jazz, the AKC
puppy-producing industry rests on shaky ground. Rather than be a
party to this shameful business, HCN should
stick with advertising that is reflective of its Western influence.
Jan Raffaele
Alexandria,
Virginia
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline So much for that doggie in the window.
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