Each and every day, thousands of new posts show up in the pet section of Craigslist.  Of course their rules say "no pet sales", but everyone does it, using the word "rehoming" as a loophole.  Many of these ads are from backyard breeders trying to make a fast buck.  These irresponsible people are second only to puppy mills and need to be shut down. Backyard breeders are the #1 contributor to pet over population.  Some people genuinely need to find a home for their pets for various reasons, but to find a new owner on a random website is not in the best interest of the animal. These pets need to be surrendered to the ASPCA or other reputable shelters and rescue groups that will properly screen potential adopters. Craigslist alone offers ample opportunities for people with bad intentions.  All it takes is a few clicks of a mouse and they can have what they want.  The worse part is, it's all FREE. The next time you, a friend, a relative, or a co-worker tells you they're going to advertise a pet on Craigslist, tell them to google the dangers of "free to a good home".  The search results alone will shock you.  Here are just a few things that could happen to your beloved pet;

*A seemingly trustworthy person adopts your dog, only to use him or her as bait in dog fighting.  Dog fighters pay neighborhood kids to round up dogs and cats (both strays and from people's yards), but if they need more, they turn to Craigslist.  

*Fake rescue groups will take your dog or cat, take your donation, then kill your pet once you leave.

*Intact purebreds are often sold to puppy mills so they can live out the rest of their miserable life in a small filthy cage.  They become breeding machines.

*New litters of puppies and kittens often end up as food for sadistic reptile owners.

*Laboratories are always looking for animals to use.  Would you want your beloved dog or cat to end up as part of an experiment?

*There are plenty of psychopaths out there that simply want to torture and kill your beloved pet for sport.  Google it and see for yourself.

These stories happen every day in every city in this country.  Craigslist has turned a blind eye.  There is no governing, no rule enforcement, and no one speaking on behalf of the animals.  I have received messages from people saying that signing a petition will do nothing and why do I bother.  The answer is, because someone has to. They also say that the bad people will find another way.  That's probably true, but one step at a time, I say.  

 In closing, the pet section needs to be taken off of their site permanently. We can do it, but not without signatures.  Please, for the love of animals, sign your name to this petition and then share, share, share.  Make sure you like my Facebook page too so that I can keep you posted.  If all goes right, I will be traveling to San Francisco to submit this petition in person. Of course I will make sure the media is there. Please help me help the animals.  Thank you!