CALGARY – Families looking to adopt a playful pooch are warned to be cautious when searching online.
An increase in misleading animal ads has prompted the Calgary Humane Society to being policing the online classifieds.
Calgary couple Hiedi and Jonathan McLellan fell victim when they went in search of a pug. When they couldn’t find the breed at any local shelters, they turned to the internet.
They thought they found one just outside of Calgary but got an unpleasant surprise when they contacted the breeder.
“They were actually based out of Saskatchewan and that if we wanted a dog that the soonest they;d be here would not be until two weeks from now but they asked me to send some money to them as a deposit to hold it for them,” says Jonathan.
In a separate case, the seller didn’t actually own the puppies and was helping friends sell them in Calgary.
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“The question that starts coming to us is, are these legitimate dogs, are they healthy dogs, are these reputable people that we’re seeing,” says Christy Thompson, Calgary Humane Society.
“We have somebody here on staff who does patrol the site to make sure that there isn’t anything overtly inappropriate being places as an ad.”
If they find a problem posting they contact the website administrators to remove it and investigating. It’s led to neglected and abused animals and several puppy mills.
“We’re always encouraging people when they’re looking online for pets to make sure you are able to see where your pet was living, meet the parents,” says Thompson. “Make sure these people are up front about what they’re selling.”
The Humane Society has helped work out pet sales guidelines with classified sites like Kijiji and convinced them to post tips to help customers make smart choices and screen sellers.
The Calgary Kennel Club also offers the following tips when looking for a puppy online:
– What is the temperament of the puppies and parents?
– What written guarantee is available if any and for how long?
– How long has the seller been raising dogs?
– Are the parent’s health tested?
– Have the puppies been examined by a Vet. and are there shot’s up to date?
– If represented as purebred is the seller a member of the Canadian Club and will the buyer receive the registration papers.
If the answer is no or the buyer has any doubt’s STAY AWAY.
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