Whilst many sites have banned the sale of animals, websites such as Gumtree are still allowing pets to be bought and sold which has become even more apparent after Christmas with all the unwanted pets bought as presents.

Specialised companies should have to be used to ensure that the animals are properly and safely rehomed. Using general selling sites means that animals are at risk of abuse and torture, for example being used as bait dogs. Unfortunately we see horrific cases of animal abuse all too often in the news, we have to keep these animals safe.