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dogs has spurred breeders and anyone out to make $300 or more into breeding dogs for money, not quality, loving companions. Many puppy mill dogs end up in humane societies or are euthanized. Dogs born to puppy mills have no social skills, are afraid of anything outside of a cage and often suffer physical and neurological disorders due to inconsiderate breeding. Humane societies become swamped with problem dogs because owners who spent money for a companion with "papers" got a nightmare instead.

I like mutts. Dogs with bloodlines coming from two or more breeds. Dogs that mean nothing on paper but give their owners meaning. It seems to me that these dogs know they don't have a piece of paper saying their worth. So they don't take your love for granted and they love you more because they know that's all they have. Mutts work hard to deserve your attention. These are the dogs everyone wants, but often don't find with purebred dogs.

3. HORSE SLAUGHTER

The horses we see on the slick covers of magazines are few and far between. Moreover, some don't see a caring, loving, picture-book death. Horses that suffer injuries, illness or behavior problems often don't have any other option than to be sent to the slaughterhouse.

Horse slaughter in the United States was banned recently, shutting down the last few equine slaughterhouses that existed. But it didn't solve our problem of what to do with unwanted horses. It made it worse.

Rescue organizations strapped for land, precious funds, volunteers and expensive feed and hay due to ethanol and drought conditions saw an increase of horses needing rescuing, training, medical care and food.

Many more horses reach a more horrific fate when they are sent to slaughter in Mexico where the government doesn't impose such humane standards and conditions. Horses going to slaughter from the U.S. to Mexico rose 200 percent after U.S. slaughter plants closed.

IN MY OPINION...WHAT WE CAN DO FOR ANIMAL RIGHTS

Animals have the right to good food, exercise and comfort. As humans we don't have to give them rights that disrespect them.

Owners have a responsibility in caring for animals. Spoiling them can be just as abusive as neglecting them. We have to make the right moral choice for our animals. Adopt from a rescue organization or humane society. The ASPCA is a great resource. Have your pets spayed or neutered. Know when it's time to say goodbye and end that animal's suffering instead of continuing a painful life.

Knowledge creates responsible owners. Responsible owners make for better dogs, cats, horses, etc. Instead of worrying so much about animal rights, we should worry about our right to be an advocate and learn as much objectively as we can. That's the way to a better animal life and that's the way to respecting animal rights.

Learn more about this author, Mary Knetter.
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