Veterinarians across Canada commented on the sale of animals on Kijiji on this petition. Therefore, I am asking the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) to join us in convincing Kijiji to review pets ads BEFORE they go live.

Nariman Deravi, Mississauga wrote: "As a veterinarian I am frustrated by the amount of sick young animals that have been obtained through kijiji."

Heather McDonell, Winnipeg commented: "As a vet I have seen many dogs bought off kijiji with health problems and lack of preventative health care."

Lois Saucke, Sherbrooke:  "I am a veterinarian and work with our local animal shelter.  The biggest dog breeding facility in our area (500 breeding dogs) advertises exclusively on the Internet--both Kijiji and LesPac(a popular site in our province).  They proudly--and legally--sell over 800 puppies every year, without the need for potential buyers even coming to their facility and seeing the parents.  Less than two years ago in our city there was a deranged individual who answered Kijiji ads to buy dogs from private homes; after purchasing them, he killed them mercilessly.  These are sufficient reasons for Kijiji to stop allowing the sale of live animals over the Internet."

Kimberly Pattullo, Saskatoon:  "I am a veterinarian, and I have seen first hand the shape that these puppies are in, many of which were purchased through your [Kijiji] website. These breeders are unscrupulous, not caring about the general health of their puppies, let alone attempting to remove breed-associated diseases and physical defects out of these puppies. I have also treated some of the "retired" bitches that come from these places - these dogs are poorly socialized, incredibly fearful, and do not even know how to act as a dog. These dogs often with numerous easily treatable and preventable health conditions. The few mills I've actually seen are absolutely deplorable environments - any child found to be in homes like this would have been immediately removed and placed into foster care. Please prohibit the sale of pets on your website."

Kristin Agius, Mississauga : "I am a veterinarian and I am deeply concerned about pet overpopulation and animal welfare. Our city has decided on a bylaw to prevent pet stores from selling puppies and kittens unless they are affiliated with a legitimate rescue group, which is a great thing. A caution to prospective puppy buyers choosing from a litter - if there is no option to meet the parents on-site, they are probably pregnant again and still living at the puppy mill! DO NOT SUPPORT THEM!"

Julie Burke, Ottawa: "As a shelter veterinarian, I too often see the result of irresponsible pet ownership and the sick, unhealthy animals that come from puppy mills."

Lynette Browne, Victoria: "I, honestly, cannot understand where consumers' heads are at, when they choose to pursue this method of obtaining a pet.  I am a veterinarian, and see, all too often, the tragic outcome of this form obtaining "your next member of your family".  These poor animals really are the one suffering because we, as consumers, are behaving in a truly selfish, and self-absorbed fashion."

WENDY Williamson, North Vancouver: "I am a veterinarian and I have seen firsthand the greed and neglect."

Stephen Kruth, Guelph: "As a veterinarian I know how horrific puppy mills are. The market place needs to be responsible."

Andria Gordon,Toronto: "I'm a registered veterinary technician and I can't tell you how many parvo puppies we see sold by backyard breeders to the unsuspecting public. This pain and suffering is totally needless - people should be rescuing pets from shelters or purchasing through RESPONSIBLE breeders who take care to breed healthy dogs and raise healthy puppies and kittens."

Mike Roberts, Kaleden: "As a retired Veterinarian I have seen many " puppy mill" dogs, and they almost invariably were in poor condition. I have seen a few mills and was saddened to see the conditions for these intelligent, friendly creatures. It is time to stop this practice."

Ted Kilpatrick, Kagawong: "I am a retired veterinarian and fully understand the negative impact puppy mills have on animal welfare and the genetics and long term well being of purebred and mixed breed dogs.  Lets stop this alternative avenue of sale for puppy mills now!"

Moreover, a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior cites that "dogs born in high-volume commercial breeding establishments and sold to the consumer directly via the Internet or indirectly through retail pet stores revealed an increased incidence of behavioral and emotional problems», particularly an increase in aggression."

I am looking forward to the response of CVMA.  

B.