Given the recent reluctance of organizations and companies, including Kijiji, to take a stand for animals, I've chosen to engage Canada’s Office of Consumer Affairs for assistance. Hopefully with their support, we aim to ensure that Kijiji Canada diligently reviews pet ads before they are published. In the absence of Kijiji advocating for animal welfare, it should, at the very least, abide by Canadian laws.

Ten years ago, we denounced the existence of several ads that violated Kijiji posting policies, such as ads promoting the sale of puppies and kittens under 8 weeks old, illegally selling purebred dogs without registration papers, and posting dogs for sale under “Accessories” to avoid paying the listing fee. Sadly, these same violations persist today.

I will keep you posted on the Office of Consumer Affairs’ response.

B.

Recap:

In Canada, Canadian law dictates that if a dog is sold as a purebred, registration papers must be provided, and the breeder must provide them at no additional cost. It is illegal to sell a purebred dog without papers.

On April 17, 2023, the Ontario Court convicted three individuals for capturing or taking, selling on the classified site Kijiji, and buying a living member of a Species at Risk in Ontario, violating the Endangered Species Act.

On July 12, 2023, the Ontario Court convicted an individual for offering to sell a living member of a Species at Risk in Ontario on two occasions on Kijiji, violating the Endangered Species Act.