Here's a response to a message I sent to the HSUS after I visited the
twisty site. Next week I'm meeting with an HSUS staff member and I'll be
sure to bring it up again (and let you know if there's anything more they
can do).
Chow, Janet
--- begin forwarded text
Date: Tue, 1 Dec 1998 16:58:01 -0600 (CST)
From: leslies@ix.netcom.com (Leslie Sinclair)
Subject: Humane Society of the US
To: janet-ashman@uiowa.edu
Thank you for contacting The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
about the Karma Farms cattery in Marshall, Texas. It is our
understanding that Karma Farms has advertised its' intention to breed
and sell cats with shortened forelimbs, a trait which appears to be
genetically inherited.
The HSUS is not aware of any actions by Karma Farms which violate Texas
animal cruelty statutes. Persons with knowledge of any such violations
should contact the appropriate law enforcement agency in Marshall,
Texas. Karma Farms is not a dealer licensed by the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA) because the federal Animal Welfare Act
requires the USDA to license and monitor only those commercial cat
breeders who sell their animals wholesale to pet shops, research
laboratories and other dealers; Karma Farms apparently only sells cats
directly to the public.
The HSUS is always concerned when breeders of companion animals attempt
to propagate animals with a physical defect which makes them "unique",
especially a defect which makes it difficult or impossible for an
animal to function normally. These animals often become "fad" animals,
and are purchased because they are faddish, rather than because they
are wanted as lifelong companions. The level of inbreeding necessary to
propagate such physical traits is also highly likely to lead to other
defects or increased disease susceptibility. The HSUS combats these
situations by continuing to educate the public about the
responsibilities of pet ownership and about the resistance to defects
and disease which mixed breed animals enjoy.
Thank you once again for contacting HSUS about this issue. Please
contact me directly if I can provide any additional information for
you.
Sincerely,
Leslie Sinclair, D.V.M.
Director of Companion Animal Veterinary Issues
Humane Society of the United States
2100 L Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037
202-452-1100
www.hsus.org
--- end forwarded text
Janet Ashman <janet-ashman@uiowa.edu>
Iowa City, IA
Very closely supervised by: Rose, Lily, Basil, Lucifer, Izzy, Lorenzo,
Forrest, Freddie, Maus, and a number of simply charming fostercats.
We are FUR Station #126, and active in both the Johnson County Humane
Society, and the Iowa Federation of Humane Societies.