Animal Fighting and Blood Sports:

WCHS opposes “blood sports” such as dog fighting, cockfighting, bullfighting, and similar spectacles where animals are forced to fight until one of them dies or is severely injured purely for human entertainment.  WCHS is actively engaged in the enforcement of anti-cruelty laws and the prosecution of individuals involved in these activities.
 

Animals in Classrooms:

WCHS supports the use of live animals as an educational tool to promote animal welfare and bring a respect for all living things.  The animal chosen must be adaptable to the classroom environment, handled properly and with proper supervision at all times, and appropriately housed, fed, and watered. We recommend that prior to the acquisition of an animal for classroom purposes, arrangements be made for a permanent home for the animal at the completion of the project or the end of the school year to prevent the animal being surrendered to a shelter. 
 

Animals in Entertainment:

WCHS opposes all acts of cruelty and the killing of or portraying the killing of animals in the entertainment industry, including but not limited to: film, television, circuses and ocean aquariums.
 

Animals in Religious Rituals/Cults:

WCHS opposes any potentially harmful or stressful use of any life form in a religious ceremony.
 

Animal Shows/Competition:

WCHS does not oppose the exhibition and competition of healthy, well cared for animals in appropriate facilities when the purpose is to recognize superior breeding, ability or pet qualities such as in dog, cat, horse and 4-H shows.
 

Breeding:

WCHS believes that breeders of purebred dogs and cats must accept responsibility for the pet overpopulation problem.  We encourage them to reduce the number of litters of animals they produce until such time as the animal overpopulation problem is brought under control.  Breeding animals should be housed in humane conditions and well-socialized in order to produce behaviorally sound animals, and only healthy animals free of genetic issues should be bred.  Breeders should be prepared to accept responsibility for the animals they have bred for the duration of the animal’s life, including being willing to take the animal back at any age. 
 

Commercial Breeding Operations/”Puppy Mills”

WCHS opposes the breeding of dogs or cats in commercial operations.   Animals are often housed in deplorable conditions solely for profit, with no concern for the welfare of the animal.  Many of these animals suffer from lifelong physical and psychological problems.  This industry is largely responsible for the pet overpopulation problem, resulting in the euthanasia of millions of animals each year.
 

Cosmetic/Elective Surgery:

WCHS opposes cosmetic/elective surgeries such as ear cropping, tail docking, declawing, and debarking being performed if the procedure is purely for cosmetic purposes or for the convenience of the owner.  The only time such a procedure may be acceptable is if it is necessary for the comfort and wellbeing of the animal.  WCHS advocates the acceptance of an animal’s natural characteristics into the breed standard and show ring.
 

Fur Trapping:

WCHS opposes all commercial and sport trapping.  WCHS does not believe that fur farming is any more acceptable than fur trapping.
 

Horse and Dog Racing/Dog Sledding:

WCHS is opposed to animals in competition when economic priorities override concern for the welfare of the animal.  WCHS is opposed to large-scale animal breeding in the hope of producing a winner as often happens in dog racing, and believes those responsible for breeding these animals should be required to find adoptive homes for them.  WCHS opposes the use of drugs, tools or live animals to encourage or enhance an animal’s performance.
 

Hunting:

WCHS opposes hunting as a sport, and that any animal taken by hunting should be utilized for food purposes only.
 

Novelty Pets:

WCHS opposes the sale or purchase of chickens, ducks, or rabbits at Easter time or any similar situation in which the animal is not likely to stay in the home for its lifetime.  

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Retail Pet Sales

WCHS opposes the retail sales of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores.  Many of these animals are supplied by commercial breeding operations, an industry which is largely responsible for the pet overpopulation problem.  WCHS supports the adoption of shelter animals thru retail stores and supports spay or neuter prior to adoption.

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Rodeos:

WCHS contends that rodeos are not an accurate or harmless portrayal of ranching skills; rather, they display and encourage insensitivity to the acceptance of brutal treatment of animals in the name of sport.  We believe that exposure to the atmosphere of violence in rodeos teaches children and adults to tolerate inhumane treatment of animals in the name of competition and entertainment.

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Slaughter:

WCHS supports humane methods of slaughter requiring that livestock must be stunned by humane methods before slaughter.  WCHS also supports the provision requiring federal meat inspectors to check that livestock are being humanely treated from the time they arrive at the slaughterhouse until slaughter.  Humane methods should also extend to the transport of animals prior to slaughter.

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Spay/Neuter Policy:

WCHS supports the spay or neuter of all dogs, cats, and rabbits adopted from shelters, rescue groups, or retail stores prior to adoption.  

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Transportation of Pets in Open Vehicles:

WCHS opposes transporting any animal in an open vehicle, and supports the passage of local and state laws prohibiting this method of transportation.
 

Wildlife or Exotic Animals as Pets:

WCHS opposes keeping and /or selling wildlife or exotic animals as pets. 
 

Wildlife Overpopulation:

WCHS supports contraception and relocation programs and policies, and opposes the hunting or shooting of animals in urban settings.