Clones of Bruce Wayne
Like their father, Bruce Wayne, these puppies are named for superheroes. Peter Parker, Clarke Kent, Wade Wilson, and Tony Stark are in their designated outfits. In addition, these pups are often photographed for social media.
The Why!
Science and technology help meet the growing demand for carbon copy puppies. Would you pay a Texas animal cloning company $50,000 for a version of your best friend? A Bel Air woman did, to get a repeat of her long-haired chihuahua, who she loves by her side.
Bruce Wayne is the puppy who captured Ms. Kaufman’s heart. Five puppies, are genetically identical to Bruce. Four live with Bruce’s owner, Ms. Kauffman. The fifth lives with her friend.
Kauffman expected one, maybe two puppies. Five were a delightful surprise. Consequently, her lifestyle changed as they became part of her family.
Biotechnology Firm
ViaGen is a U.S. company that clones pets, in addition to livestock. To date, more than 100 pets are genetic creations by the Gaithersburg biotechnology firm Intrexon. Cloned pets include not only dogs but also cats. The costs range from $50,000 for a dog and $25,000 for a cat.
This practice gained popularity when Barbara Streisand revealed her Coton du Tulear, named Samantha, was cloned. There is a waiting list to genetically replicate peoples beloved canines. The demand is high and growing, said a company spokesperson.
Controversy
Undoubtedly, since the creation of the lamb named Dolly in 1997 by Scottish scientists, the practice is slowly gaining acceptance. As far and I know, she was the first mammal cloned, but it is still far from mainstream.
Concern surrounding the procedure is focused on ethical issues regarding animal rights. There is a fear that this practice is making it acceptable to produce human carbon copies. Without a doubt, in this process dogs are very similar to humans.
Those opposed to cloning, suggest the animal are not exact replicas. Cloned animals look alike, yet each has distinctive personalities and demeanors. In addition, there are more than enough puppies and dogs who need homes.
People who love their pets want them forever. If I am not mistaken, this process fills that void, even if each clone has some uniqueness. Breeders have known that temperament is a hereditary trait. Nurturing the puppy brings out those subtle differences.
Advocates on Both Sides
Unlike the natural reproduction process, which results in a live animal, this is a nuclear process that uses a swatch of skin from the lead animal. Apart from the stellar care given to surrogates, activists cite that putting animals through unnecessary medical procedures is inhumane.
Kauffman supports animal rescues, including three of her four cats. This is a way to keep that special friend close forever.
After adopting Bruce Wayne (pictured on the right), Kauffman considered doing this procedure. She has no regrets. These puppies are featured on Instagram @ipartywithbrucewayne, if you would like to see more fun photos.
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Photo Courtesy Sarah Meashaw/Pooch Portrait Studio
MARY CAROLE MCCAULEY and ANDREA K. MCDANIELS The Baltimore Sun