As an Animal Welfare charity, dedicated to the safety of all pets, we have witnessed the dark side of free pet listings on platforms like Gumtree.

Many underground dog fighting rings search these sites for free animals to use as fighting dogs or live bait. These animals go through horrific trauma. There are also cases where animals have been given to supposed "good homes" but ended up being abused.

For example, a young dog named “Bow” was listed as “FREE to a good home”. A few weeks later, his body was found bound and bloodied, stabbed to death.

In Darwin, a man collected numerous 'free pets' on Gumtree, only to later be charged with 162 charges of animal abuse, with 11 counts in regard to sexual intercourse with an animal.

No animal should ever have to suffer such cruelty.

We believe that by banning free pet listings on Gumtree, we can significantly reduce the risk for potential abuse. This action will make it harder for those involved in illegal activities such as dogfighting rings or animal abusers to acquire animals easily. 

We urge you to join us in calling upon Gumtree to prohibit free pet listings on their platform immediately.

Together, we can make a difference and protect countless animals from falling into dangerous hands.

Please sign this petition today!