Some folks answering the "Free to Good Home" ads really are loving, responsible pet owners. Many--perhaps even most--are not.
There are steps YOU can take to help end
abuse: DON'T advertise Free pets; DO convince others not to. Some people
even take the time to phone owners of pets advertising Free to Good Home
and warn them of the dangers.
DO spay/neuter to keep from creating possible
Free to Good Home situations or condemning your pet to a short,
miserable life in a puppy mill.
DO write letters to the editors of your local newspapers warning of the dangers of Free to Good Home.
DO contact breed rescue organizations (there
is one for every breed of pure-bred dog!) or local animal welfare
organizations for help in placing unwanted pets; if you bought the pet
from a responsible breeder, he/she will help you rehome the pet.
DO charge at least $25 to discourage resale of pets to labs.
(Some sources suggest charging no less than $100 for pure-bred dogs.)
DO take the time to interview every
prospective owner. Ask for vet and personnel references, and check them,
then visit the new home where your pet might be living!
DO write a letter to your congressmen in
support of legislation aimed at doing away with Class B dealers, who
sell animals obtained from "random sources" to research facilities.
Random sources include strays, stolen pets,
seized shelter animals, animals purchased at flea markets--and pets
found through "Free to good home" ads.
DO report any incidence of suspected
dog-fighting to police, Animal Control, and your local Humane Society.
DON'T try to stop these people yourselves; there is a lot of money
involved here, and you could be putting yourself and your pets at risk
if you try to intervene alone.
DO call police, animal welfare workers, even
the health department, if someone in your area seems to be "collecting"
cats or dogs.
DO write to district attorneys, judges, and
prosecutors if you hear of the arrest of any so-called collectors in
your area, and urge them not only to prosecute to the full extent of the
law, but also to mandate psychological counseling for these individuals
in the hopes of avoiding repeat violations.
DO call police or animal welfare workers for any incidences of suspected abuse.
Be willing to testify in court, if necessary.
Note: what constitutes animal abuse is defined by state law. If your
state has inadequate abuse laws, TRY TO CHANGE THEM!
Remember--the welfare of pets is in ALL of our hands!
Alias Barack Obama: a lie is born: The greatest identity fraud in history Paperback – July 10, 2012
