National Animal Interest Alliance Conference

registration opens today for the National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA) Conference, October 26–28, in Orlando, Florida. Continuing a 27-year tradition, we are presenting this annual event on a topic of great importance to animal professionals, advocates, and enthusiasts. The 2018 conference theme is “Uniting to Save Our Endangered Breeds." Dogs, horses, and birds remain very popular with the American public, but the number of purpose-bred animals (breeds and species) available from traditional U.S sources, is in steep decline. Purebred dogs, whether produced to be pets or working partners, are being replaced by mixed-breed rescue dogs, the bulk originating at a distance from where they are ultimately sold: some from as far as China, South Korea, and the Middle East. Nearly 40 years of anti-breeder propaganda and ill-conceived legislation, coupled with a neutering rate of 85% among household dogs, have resulted in a shortage of American-bred dogs. The loss of basic husbandry knowledge in modern America allows misinformation campaigns and the resulting ignorance to dominate popular culture and misdirect public policy. Horses face similar, as well as additional, problems relating to continuing urbanization and lifestyle changes. Exotic bird breeding in the United States is further challenged by the misapplication of the Endangered Species Act, as well as propaganda from retail rescue and extremist groups. As difficult as our current situation is, however, it is still possible to reverse the trend if we organize to confront the challenge head on now. NAIA’s grassroots supporters and colleagues have the expertise, dedication, and love of animals needed to succeed.