Animals swapped or sold via online sites across Europe are open to abuse. Dogs are being used for fighting and other animals for bait and other such horrors. People getting the animals in this manner do not always know what they are getting, in term of past history, temperment and health so the risks for a new owner are also high.

 

TAKE ACTION

1) Sign and comment on this petition, then share it asap on all your personal networking pages and to friends and family.

2) Join the FB group page ​​Call for Regulations with the Online Advertising of Animals

3) Contact your local newspaper ( see example letter below)

 

Example Letter:

Dear (........recipitent name......) I would like to highlight the problem of Online Animal Advertising.

 

Some sites are official and run by organised animal organisations which run things properly and sensibly, however as more areas have 'swap and sell' sites such as Freegle and Gumtree so the problems increase.

 

Recently a dog 'rehomed' from one of these sites was found dead having been used for dog fighting. This is one case in 100's. Thugs who wish to

find victims for their abuse of animals have, in these sites an easy option with no background checks, home visits or any of the other procedures

that our properly run charities and organisations put in place.

 

The other side of the coin is that people rehoming these animals will not always know the full (or true) history of the animal. Questions may not be answered

about the animal's temperment, the animal's socialization or whether the animal is good with children or other pets.

 

As Christmas is approaching there is no doubt, within the next 6 months, the animal rescue shelters will see the increase of animals needing sanctuary

while new homes are found. Animals ranging from dogs to cats and even the more exotic animals. It is also a very sad fact that more animals are going to

be seen on these 'free advertising' sites or on many of the facebook sites that are now being set up for the swapping and selling of animals.

 

There is no legislation surrounding these sites. There is no procedure in place for the wellbeing of the animals or the new owners and there is huge concern

within animal organistions that we will hear of more and more horror stories.

 

I would be very grateful if you could maybe look at doing a news item on this issue. Dog Fighting is as prevelant in the (...your area....) as anywhere and (....your area...) has its fair share of these types of sites which advertise animals.

 

There is a Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/groups/136160803162495/ and through it we aim to petition the government to put legislation

in place. The petition will also go to all the online sites and groups who we find guilty of this practise.

 

With Regards

 

(........your name....)

(........your telephone number.....) (or give my name and email address if you wish)