OHS Position Statement: Harmful Breeding Practices
The OHS supports animal breeders who place a priority on the following aspects of a responsible breeding program:
- The health and well being of the breeding pair.
- The short and long term health and well being of the offspring.
- The overall species population.
The OHS supports breeding practices that select for good temperament, sound structure, and no known health or inherited disorders. The OHS encourages the sterilization of animals which do not meet these requirements.
The OHS supports breeders who educate themselves in order to recognize inherited disorders and to discontinue breeding and/or sterilize animals who could pass on these disorders.
The OHS opposes the selective breeding of animals that produces changes in bodily form and/or function that are detrimental to the health and/or quality of life of the animal.
The OHS supports the updating of breed standards which may prove detrimental to an animal’s health and which contribute to ongoing inherited disorders.
The OHS strongly encourages people to research breed types, breeding facilities, breeding parents, and offspring prior to adopting a dog or cat. Understanding specific breed traits and possible inherited disorders can minimize the chance of long term problems with an adopted pet.
Information on choosing a puppy/breeder can be found on the OHS website: more >
