As more organisations speak out against the practise of selling animals online, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty against Animals (NSPCA) has also added its voice to the movement.
This follows the announcement by online classifieds companies, Junk Mail and OLX, affirming their commitment to curbing the practise through collaborations with animal rights organisations.
According to Chris Kuch, media relations officer of the organisation, the organisation has always opposed the practise but despite their stance, the practise continues to grow on a daily basis.
“Because there is anonymity (use of cellphone numbers and gmail addresses) it is easy for scamsters and backyard breeders to trade without any fear of being traced,” Kuch explained.
Kuch added that, in most cases, the adverts posted were scams and were used as a way to con people into giving up their money, with the advertised animals not even existing in the first place.
He also stressed the difference between selling and adopting animals, saying that the organisation does not give away or sell animals but rather allows people to adopt them, only charging an adoption fee.
“Ironically, all animals adopted from SPCAs are free. The adoption fee [only] covers the cost of necessary procedures including vaccinations, sterilisation, dipping against ticks and fleas plus identification,” he said.
Kuch encouraged pet owners to support the movement by not selling animals or supporting anyone who engages in the trade. For more information or to get in touch with the organisation, contact www.nspca.co.za
