Further thoughts on pet cloning

AP photo.

View the video here.

McKinney’s ignorance on cloning has been maintained. At just a few days of age, she claims that the pups have the same personality as the late Booger. This knowledge would be impossible to obtain, because newborn puppies act on just a couple instincts at this age. They seek warmth and seek their mother’s teats.

“Personality” does not develop until much later, and animal behaviorists can tell you that events throughout the animal’s life can alter behavior. These pups will be raised presumably in a home environment with quality food and early training. This is a far cry from the life on the streets that Booger recovered from.

In addition, what do we know about Booger’s health? Did his death from cancer have a genetic link? Was he ever screened for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye issues, thyroid issues, or other genetic diseases?

We know nothing about Booger’s pedigree. Did his any of his ancestors have genetic diseases? What about genetic shyness or aggression? All these genes were passed on to the pups. Science tells us that the environment affects the expression of genes. How much like Booger will these pups actually be?

In short, we know little more about these pups than any other pup sitting in a shelter or rescue. If they had been derived from a thorough and responsible breeding program, we would know a little more, but puppies are always a gamble. The only way to know the temperament of your new dog is to adopt an adult from a reputable rescue organization that has fostered the animal for at least a month, but in the end, your training and love will also have an affect.

If McKinney had done more research, she would have discovered a host of organizations dedicated to rescuing dogs in need, like her Booger. Some are already fulfilling her dream of training these animals to perform services for the disabled, and are doing so much more cost effectively by selecting dogs already in existence.