1a. Re: Unregulated Cat Breeding
Posted on: Sun Aug 21, 2011 8:31 am (PDT)
While I see your point and respect your feelings the lack of regulation concerns me too. A lot of breeders out there are responsible, work to breed out genetic health issues etc. take the greatest care of feeding and socializing, vaccinating and any health concerns and ultimately work to find good homes for the cats they breed.

On the other hand I have seen the effects of bad "breeders" because I don't know I would honor them with that title and "catteries" because I don't know I would want to call them that either.

I have dealt with the unsocialized products of a place where cages were stacked on top of one another in basements with newspapers and no litter trays and urine dripping.

Of a person who was selling cats only to supplement her social security. Of another so called breeder who had let things get away from her and finally when being evicted let go of 12 young cats all under three years old, all with different birth dates and all seriously ill, some died as a result.

I am also in possibly the unique position in this group of working in Building, Planning & Zoning. It may be true that there was a time houses were built just great, perhaps builders were craftsmen and had pride in their work. But I have dealt with the effects of the cowboys who call themselves roofing contractors and the widow who paid thousands for a roof that then leaked.

Maybe you remember the balcony collapsing in Chicago.. that too was lack of regulations. I see landlords getting away with renting homes in appalling and uninhabitable conditions until regulations catch them. And I don't think we need to go into how many died in fires until regulations made exits, alarms and fire escapes standard.

There again.. the World Trade Center towers in New York were built to stringent codes and we all know what happened to those because no one in their wildest imaginings thought someone would fly a plane into those.

1b. Unregulated Cat Breeding
Posted on: Sat Aug 20, 2011 10:18 am (PDT)
When I first started breeding, I joined organizations and paid attention to necessary memberships, etc. Early on I have to say, I was totally blown away by the lack of rules, regulations. by-laws, advertising policies, most importantly ethics. What a shock to me. I would have expected a more structured approach to cat breeding. Not so.

I have accepted these discrepancies as "just the way it is". In real estate trading...any member would be taken to task for the stuff that goes on between cat breeders, and in fact be fined or lose their licenses and even more serious stuff with privacy issues and the Competition Bureau which could lead to jail time and millions in assessments against the offenders.

Granted ..trading in real estate and breeding cats are different ballgames... .but nothing? in the way of a structured environment to do business. It is what it is...but very unprofessional and behind the times. I'm not putting down cat breeding ..just perplexed at the lack of structure and guidelines. J

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1c. Unregulated Cat Breeding
Posted on: Sat Aug 20, 2011 3:02 pm (PDT)
I think you would probably prefer the existing system in many countries than the French system, with breeder licensing with obligatory exam, compulsory registering in a national registry (plus the voluntary registries you would want to register in and pay also), obligatory book-keeping, tax inspections, etc.

Plus the health system in most European countries in which vaccines must be administered by a veterinary, microchip and registry of pets is obligatory (in the name of the owner, of course, not the breeder), etc. Microchips are also put only by veterinaries.

FIFe has also many rules that the US registries do not have, like the maximum 3 litters in 2 years for each female (except if you are authorised to have a 4th litter for veterinary reasons), minimum age of sire and dam 1 year at the time of birth of the kittens, etc. National registries belonging to FIFe may establish harder (but not lighter) rules.

I personally like better the system that gives the breeders the freedom to take their breeding decisions, and not the registry.

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1d. Unregulated Cat Breeding
It's easy to point at a few poorly managed Catteries with lousy conditions and say that they represent the general state of the car fancy, and therefore, everyone needs to be regulated. It's also easy to point at a few rational and competent government officials and say that they represent the general level of competence in government, so therefore government needs to be given overall authority over the business of raising cats...

But you would be wrong in both instances.

Every state in the union has laws against animal cruelty. Every state has laws against business practices that defraud customers.

What some of the government agencies want, however, is the authority to go into private homes and businesses, disregarding the fourth amendment, and based solely on their own interpretation of the law, confiscate animals, deny lawful owners the right of appeal, establish expensive rates for licenses and fees, and set arbitrary laws and rules for the daily operation of the private businesses.

They would do this based what's right and fair for the animals involved.

They would give animals "personhood" and because the animals aren't competent to act as persons, they would assign lawyers to represent the animals and guarantee them their "rights".

The list goes on and on...and all the animal rights groups want is the chance to get their foot in the door. They'll take your animals today, and your children tomorrow. Wait...that's already happening.

Read

CFA Ombudsman Report

OMBUDSMAN REPORT
March through May 2011
Definition: 1. A man who investigates complaints and mediates fair settlements, especially between aggrieved parties such as consumers or students and an institution or organization.

The Ombudsman team received a total of [77] Ombudsman cases from March through May 2011. Of those 77 cases, 65 were closed, one was referred to the Chairperson of the Judging Committee, four were referred to Linda Berg for previous animal welfare concerns or to be added to protests previously underway, and two additional cases were referred to Linda Berg for new protests. These two cases were recommended for protest prior to the Board decision in February regarding the $3000 dollar limit. Due to ongoing medical and computer issues experienced by Ombudsman personnel in the previous quarter, I was not able to gather all of the documentation needed and provide them to Linda Berg as planned. Consequently, since the delay was not the fault of the individuals, I am asking the Board to grandfather those two cases for Protest consideration since they were referred to protest prior to the February board decision. Other complaints during this quarter included:
1. lack of payment for entry fees (referred to CFA show rules and process in place),
2. internet harassment
3. registration issues
4. sick cats primarily involving FIP cases
5. while others involved ringworm
6. ear mites
7. heart conditions
8. hereditary defects
9. upper respiratory infection
10. and overall malnutrition.
11. Others involved monies paid, kitten or cat never received
12. kitten or cats received but different than kitten or cat originally purchased
13. breeder changed mind and chose not to sell to pet buyers and
14. no refund provided
15. or kittens received but
16. no papers or medical information provided.
17. I also received a complaint from a rescue group who wanted assistance in obtaining the CFA registration papers on the rescued cats
18. and a complaint from a person who had purchased a “Siamese” kitten from a pet shop and wanted me to help him register the cat with CFA.
19. Other cases involved several complainants who simply wanted the complaint to be filed with CFA
20. while others wanted CFA to ban the breeder from further CFA affiliation.
21. Others filed complaints to the Better Business Bureau or other consumer related processes, such as the lemon law process
22. while others engaged attorneys or filed small claims court cases.

Issues negatively impacting resolution continue to be lack of adequate documentation or refusal to participate via the Ombudsman program.

CFA Animal Welfare

8/23/11
CFA ANIMAL WELFARE
CFA President Hamza: Animal Welfare.
Everybody’s got the report. Unfortunately, this has been a very hard year for Animal Welfare. When you see Linda Berg, it would be in everybody’s best interests to give her a pat on the back. Some of the situations we’ve dealt with have been just off the charts. As the board knows, we had one situation that involved over 250 cats. I’m not sure people realize this, but not to that extent, but it’s almost a weekly occurrence where we’re assisting somebody or another. This is a hard program, because to be in this position, it puts you in a position to be less than popular with some breeders. It’s a very hard volunteer position. So, like I said, if you get a chance to interact with Linda, please thank her for the work in this area.

CFA Breeder Assistance Program/ BAP/
CFA Breed Rescue Program/ BRP/

Fri Apr 15, 2011 6:24 am (PDT)
We do keep things confidential. I hope no one is afraid to ask for help, we take extraordinary measures to keep things quiet. Early help is best. (Very hard to do when Animal Control is involved with a large number and it is on the evening news).

Many times a Breeder Assist will turn into a Breed Rescue due to the circumstances. I work to help the Breeder to be proactive in their cats placements. Not only do I help the cats, but I also try to help the people involved find resources (ie: obtain legal help, clean up crews, medical, outside help, etc. to improve their life).

I work with Animal Control Agencies to pull hoarding cases, have worked with breeders who have Alzheimers, who lost their home and job, divorce, death, permanent disability, etc. Each case is unique and requires special resources. I always promote what a wonderful organization CFA is, how we work hard to be a very consciousness group. CFA is very respected in our area by all the Shelters.

I get inquiries from the Breeders Assist forwarded for my Region, and I get private requests. I receive forwarded Animal Control listings, Pet finder, Craig's List or other news items to follow up on particular pedigree cat(S). Cattery downsizing has been important in this economy.

I have been asked to help with feral colonies at a breeders home (unfortunately could not find organization in area to aid cats) and Domestic Cat look alike seizures; I do what I can to get them to the best resource.

I have more contact with our Treasurer getting the Assisted Cats Vet bills, Animal Control Pull Fees paid, etc. Linda Berg gave us complete autonomy, but she always available if we have a problem and need help.

To give an example of our BAP-BRP work, below is my last annual recap (one year I had 450). Note the different breeds of cats, no one knew about our work. Consider that I represent just one region, and I am sure all regions have similar activity.

"Not a peep" was heard about any of these cats, except for us to ask for donations from time to time, transport or grooming help. I have taken this a step further to avoid any gossip, when possible I solicit outside grooming help, (the breeder and roomer will have no knowledge of each other).

FYI: Below is my activity report for Region 7 June 2009 thru May 2010.

Report Count BAP-BRP Region 7:

June 2009 thru May 2010


emails 398
calls 113

RESCUE/Placement requests:
Birdman (2)
Egyptian Mau (1)
Tonkinese (2)
Persian (113)
Mane Coon (5)
Ragdoll (10)
Bengal (5)
Sphynx (20)
Ocicat (2)
Balinese (1)
Exotic (6)
DLH (3)
Havana Brown (1)
Snowshoe (6)
American SH (1)
Russian Blue (1)
Burmese (7)
Scottish fold (1) = 187
Cattery Care Assistance (Hospitalization) Request for 44 Persians
Hampster (1) - rehomed

As you can see we handle all kinds of requests, sometimes we get a "mix" when people pass away. We work to help all, sometimes due to lack of volunteers, we not able to do as much as we would like, as fast we would like. Thank you to the CFA Breed Clubs, Breed Rescues for all their help to save these kitties!

2 Faced Cat Horror Bred By Cat Breeder

Cat, Two-Faced, Sets New Record at 12 Years Old by nhodgson on September 29, 2011 9:04 AM.

A recent study found that cats bond more with women than men Whats more according to the research conducted by experts a... Read Moret the University of Vienna cats will comply with their owners wishes if the owner complies with the cats wishes In other words scratch my chin and I will sit on your lap Give me food and you can pet me For most cat owners this comes as no surprise Yet theres no joke about the intensity of the relationship between an owner and her cat Felines are among the most mysterious loving intelligent creatures in the animal kingdom Heres a salute to ten of them in all their furry glory A cat with two faces has made the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest living cat with this rare condition.

Frank and Louie is a twelve-year old Janus cat with three eyes, two mouths, and two noses. Named for the figure in Roman mythology with two faces on one head, Janus cats are exceptionally rare and most do not live very long, says the Associated Press.

The condition is caused by a genetic defect that triggers excessive production of a certain kind of protein.

Owner Marty Stevens told AP, “Every day is kind of a blessing, being 12 and normal life expectancy when they have this condition is one to four days. So, he's ahead of the game — every day I just thank God I still have him."

Stevens rescued Frank and Louie twelve years ago when the cat’s breeder brought him to the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University to be euthanized.

Stevens was working at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at the time and despite experts telling her not to get her hopes up, she took Frank and Louie home and nursed him for three months with feeding tubes.

Unlike most Janus cats who posses congenital defects which often cause them to starve to death or choke on food, Frank and Louie only uses one of his mouths to eat and with Stevens’ care grew to be happy and friendly cat.

Stevens, who likes to take Frank and Louie out for walks, told AP, “It's funny because people walk up to him thinking it's a nice, fluffy white cat and they're walking up with a big smile on their face to pat him, like, 'Oh, what a beautiful cat' and I see a look of horror come over their faces when they actually see his face.”

Cat Breeders Sharing About Inbreeding

Sat Sep 10, 2011 4:05 am (PDT)

In this case there were issues with some of her littermates. I also had enough breeding cats in my cattery at that time and no unrelated male that I wanted to take her to. I did enjoy showing her as a spay in premiership. I very much enjoy premiership more that showing a whole cat - no hormones to worry about.

Saturday, September 10, 2011 3:58

Showing inbred cats? why not breed her? why not breed her? you just have to take a quite unrelated tom for her. it is a very legitimate way of breeding and very much used in breeding lifestock to bring out wanted traits very true. and also a way to eliminate unwanted traits as they come as true as well.. if it was temperamentally, healthwise and standardwise a prime example of our breed- it might have been, as these traits were then very much secured in her, that this would have been a valuable asset for the breed.

Sometimes i wonder if we think as breeders or as lovers.: we allow certain, highdecorated animals to dominate the scene- and certain cattery names to be brands- buying also the not best output for breding there - thus narrowing the genetic diversity also - and let our human ideas& prejudices of mating overcome sane breeders reasoning on the other side. as i said before: other, longer bred breeds, namely the ones without a "natural" badge on it, do have much higher COI's, which is unthinkable for us. .. we quite often dont see the general view - what is best or good for the breed ingeneral -but just our own (especially: what wold the others say) - and condemn too often instead of trying to see reason and possible positive outcome.

Begging 4 Money To Start A Cattery

This latest bit of crap is how some idiot is starting her breeding programme her in the UK/ It was forwarded to me by another Sphynx and Devon Rex breeder. I cannot believe that anyone would be so driven by money that they would do this!! Breaks my heart to see this happening

Cheeky blighter, have I read it correctly, is she begging for money to buy cats ?

I can't believe people will be stupid enough to put money in her begging bowl.

What's even more upseting is people will give her money and breeders will sell her cats...so sad

They will if they think they will make money out of it. Unfortunately, some people are like that - just a shame they have latched onto the Sphynx.

Makes me angry not heart broken. Referring to the cats as 'stock' constantly! I know some people will sometimes use the term breeding stock but to continuously refer to 'buying in the stock', instead of getting a kitten! No mention of HCM scanning of course! Making cat breeding into some kind of twisted investment programme.

Thankfully no one has contributed, at least not financially. Cats are already involved in this woman's quest to become known 'worldwide for quality standards and distinction'. I have a suspicion she will be known on a smaller scale for much less admirable reasons.

This is what comes up when you Google her. 07/08/2011 19:49:50 Hi investors. I am a very enthusiastic, outgoing entrepreneur and looking to build my current business venture. I am a 32 year old mum with a large drive to succeed in my venture. I started my business as a hobby a few years ago and have grown into a very profitable income. I now wish to expand to make this into a proper business with a very good income for my family and need £15'000 loan investment. I can supply details and a nice return for the help and am open to further suggestions. Should you feel able to help then please do get in touch.I am very serious, hard working and willing to go that extra mile to succeed.

The cat world gets stranger all the time! Are there actually already bambinos in the UK?

Sometimes I even amazed at the pet people that are able to obtain pets.

A shame indeed but maybe not so surprising. It gets worse all the time, because of the big price tag.

Yes, I'm sure it's a scam... i don't think she really plans of doing anything but collecting money, she has actually accumulated enough information and pictures from other peoples websites that she might actaully convince some people that they can donate a little and save alot. Has anyone seen any contact information for her? I didn't see any way to get in touch with her but sent an email to the website crowdfunder and told them she had taken my youtube video to advertise and told them I want it removed from their site. guess we will see if they actually do anything

I cannot believe this, I wonder if this person actually knows what she is doing, and I think that red flags should go up to any of the “breeders� that have “offered� her cats. If she does not even have the initial funding how is she going to maintain these cats, and all the promises?

It basically boils down to deceptive advertising as well, because she has no guarantees that she will be able to meet any of these offers.

This is very scary and people who think that breeding is putting two cats together = money have some very big surprises waiting for them.

There is a UK Sphynx breeder advertising Bambinos, Munchkins, Elf and Dwelf cats on her website. I am not sure if she actually owns anything but Sphynx yet but I believe (from Facebook comments) a Dwelf queen is reserved for her from Groovy Sphynx in America.

there is a Victoria Kinsella that was a company secretary for a bankrupt pet company. I'm sure there is another connection too but can't think what. Bad news anyway.

Resource: http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/investment/kinsella-katz-rare-sphynx-breeder-uk-377
notice: This content was not written at all by CACB.INFO

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Darkside of the Cat Fancy

I know of many many other breeders not recently but historically I think now going back some thirty years?? The breeder we speak of has been a long time breeder.

Effected breeders and very very ethical top show breeders at that appear to have been embarrased to say and don't want it to be known they had similar experiences. They didn't want negative fall out so kept quiet. Some told me face to face they had bad experienes and some admited in emails but carefully as emails can be shared.

It is not my business to disclose others. Reputations have been at risk though with fall out toward out spoken breeders. I am sure damage has been done to me and will still continue as long as there are believers.

There are breeders that don't want people knowing about what they have experienced. All I can say is consider the source you hear rumors and realize that. This is the downside of the fancy. Sad but true

Earl Miller Crosses Over From PORN INDUSTRY to CFA Pussy Cats

This is beyond belief what CFA is truly involved with. CFA is working partner's with Earl Miller the most published photographcer of adult erotic publications PORN for 4 decades, is now serves as photographer of the Poinsettia City Cat Club’s Cats & Hats, a Cat Fanciers' Association All Breed & Household Pet Cat Show November 26, 2011.

For those who are not farmiliar with Earl Miller's work you can view his website here: Earl Miller.Com.

Who would have known that an organized body of people such as CFA would have a common interest with such a porn industry photograher, to now photographing CFA cat shows. Earl Miller has created thousands of unique one-of-a-kind and first-of-a-kind layouts for Penthouse, Hustler and many other worldwide erotic publications throughout the past four decades.

VIEW Earl Miller's site page devoted to CFA cats

Former Show Cat Breeder Shares What Goes On Inside Cat Community

Persian cats are hurt by human breeders

A former pedigree show cat breeder shares what she experienced with showiing and breeding pedigree cats and its not very nice nor pretty.

She shares about what the human cat breeders are doing to these cats and its horrible.

Chaos In CFA Center Office

CFA breeders sharing how they feel about how CFA is NOT working. Every since CFA moved to Alliance, OH there has been alot of problems mounting up and no one solving them.

It just so happens Jerry Hamaz is answering those CFA breeders who are critizing how CFA is being handled.

Is CFA Aging? CFA's Self Worth

This content was written by a CFA & TICA cat breeder & exhibitor. Sharing how they feel about CFA rules and not budging on their rules & how they are treated by CFA in general. No names will be used to protect the privacy of the individual.

This is being written to share with the cat loving public what truly goes on inside of CFA.

CFA Canceling Cat Shows Struggling To Stay Open