Online classifieds pioneer regularity policy for advertising pets
Junk Mail, Gumtree and OLX, through a collaborative partnership with Ban Animal Trading SA (Bat) and Beauty Without Cruelty (BWC), has crafted a pet advertising policy that is being tabled to the broader online classifieds’ as a best practice
Operation “Bite Back” is aimed at helping to stamp out puppy mills and the indiscriminate sale of dogs being sold online for illegal dog fighting.
According to the head of operations at OLX, Sharon Knowles, this is a first for the online industry in that competitive companies have come together in a collaborative effort, prepared to fight for what’s right.
“The dog fighting syndicates are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to source animals.”
To help stop them, Junk Mail, Gumtree and OLX are taking the lead by banning certain types of advertisements.
“OLX is taking a stand against this practice in the way we can, by joining hands with other industry leaders to prevent the sale of animals into cruelty,” says Knowles.
So far, this initiative has the support of Bat, BWC, Claw, and Boxer Rescue.
“Through a combined effort of these organisations showing us reported cases, what to look for in adverts that are placed and making us aware of known perpetrators we can then monitor more closely and remove ads and report to the relevant organisation,” she adds.
Ban Animal Trading SA and Beauty Without Cruelty have been working with these online classified platforms on highlighting and addressing its key concerns about online pet trading.
“The discussions have led us to collaboratively establish an online pet advertising policy, that we believe will start a conversation amongst consumers about adopting rather than buying pets – be they domestic or exotic,” says organiser for Ban Animal Trading SA and Beauty Without Cruelty in Gauteng, Dr Smaragda Louw.
Key takeout’s of the advertising policy, which will be tabled in mid-July, include an outright ban on advertising of breeds associated with dog fighting, such as pit bulls, staffies and other breeds ; all giveaway dogs and puppies (‘free to good home’ pets); exotic reptiles such as venomous snakes; exotic mammals; primates; specified birds and arachnids.
Junk Mail, Gumtree and OLX will also no longer allow the sale of puppies younger than eight weeks old and the sale of pets by pet stores.
“We are implementing a pet advertising policy that forfeits a significant portion of our most popular section, after cars, as a demonstration of our committed partnership with Beauty without Cruelty,” says MD of Junk Mail, Felix Erken.
Junk Mail, Gumtree and OLX will reserve the right to refuse any advertiser or advertisement that doesn’t meet the pet advertising policy requirements.
“It seems fitting that we set the tone and pace for the adoption of a policy intended to eradicate the unethical and dubious trading of pets and we are calling on other online classifieds, to follow in our footsteps,” says Erken.
“We believe the time is right for animals, for protecting their rights, and are delighted to be taking this step,” concludes Louw.
OLX advises people who cannot afford to keep their animals not to advertise them for free to get rid of them but to instead contact one of the animal rescue organisations who will help rehome the animals.
According to the Boksburg SPCA manager, Wilma Steynbergh, the SPCA movement welcomes this move.
“We have long been voicing our concern about the trade in live animals over the Internet which may seem quick and convenient, but which is fraught with dangers – welfare issues, as well as consumer matters.”
“Let’s hope that this step in the right direction has far-reaching positive consequences to benefit animals,” says Steynbergh.
The Boksburg SPCA chairperson, Alta Gobey, elaborates that the SPCA has to deal with the consequences of irresponsible ownership on a daily basis. Irresponsible advertising adds to this sad situation.
“The Boksburg SPCA will gladly take in any unwanted pets.” – @IschkeBoksburg
