There is presently a petition on the Quebec National Assembly website asking the Quebec government to prohibit the commercial sale of animals on online classified sites in Quebec. In fact, there are 7 really good reasons to sign it!

#1. Animals are not property and are sentient beings with biological imperatives, that should not be sold as movable property via online classified sites (article 898.1 of Quebec Civil Code defines animals as sentient beings with biological imperatives. Animals should not be sold as personal property through classified ads);

#2. Classified sites are unable to distinguish certified and responsible breeders from those who ignore animal welfare to profit from their sale (think of this animal abuser who has been using multiple accounts to post pet ads, despite lifetime ban);

#3. The sale of animals on classified sites promotes the acquisition of an animal on a whim or by irresponsible individuals (by controlling impulse pet purchases, the government would send a strong message that pet owners must be responsible and think about the level of commitment that comes with adopting a new pet);

#4. The sale of dogs on classified sites entails serious risks to
public safety (let not forget the tragic death of Mrs. Christiane Vadnais following a dog attack, the serious risks to public safety must be taken into account in the sale of dogs on classified ad sites. The City of Montreal, Union of Quebec Municipalities, Montreal SPCA, l’Association des médecins vétérinaires du Québec en pratique des petits animaux and the Association des juristes progressistes have all expressed concern about the sale of dogs on classified ad sites in their briefs tabled under the order to the committee "Special consultations and public hearings on Bill 128");

#5. Many animals suffering from health and behavioral problems are sold on these sites, to the detriment of buyers (this Change.org petition asking Kijiji Canada, the Canadian leader of online classifieds, to ban the commercial sale of animals and instead promote adoption on its site obtained over 337k signatures, gained national media attention and the support of 31 animal welfare organizations. These organizations, the comments from signers and the media coverage over the years demonstrate that too many buyers continue to be cheated by unscrupulous breeders on classified ad sites while too many animals suffering from health problems, often due to breeding and rearing conditions, are sold on these sites, perpetuating veterinary costs to new owners and inflicting unnecessary stress on them);

#6. To combat the problem of animal overpopulation, municipalities have implemented bylaws allowing cats, dogs and rabbits that have been spayed or neutered and coming from registered shelters or animal rescue organizations only to be sold in pet stores (cities of Town of Mount Royal, Hudson, Rosemont-La Petite Patrie, Cote Saint Luc, Beaconsfield and Montreal in Quebec have banned the commercial sale of animals on their territory);

#7. The online markets Used.ca, OfferUp, BuySellTrade, letgoCanada, Craigslist and Facebook ban the sale of animals on their sites (just check their posting policies).

Residents of Quebec: Click here to sign the petition presently at the Quebec National Assembly.

And continue to sign and share this petition too! Change.org/kijiji