Online classifieds companies ban animal trading
JOBURG - Online classifieds giants OLX and Junk Mail Classifieds have intensified the fight against the online sale and trading of animals.
The two companies have teamed up with animal welfare organisations such as Beauty without Cruelty and Ban Animal Trading to ban advertisements engaging in the practice of selling animals.
According to Dr Smaragda Louw, of Beauty without Cruelty Gauteng, the organisation collaborated with Junk Mail to draft a pet advertising policy aimed at tackling the problem.
“We have been working with Junk Mail on highlighting and addressing our key concerns about online pet trading… [and] the discussions have led us to collaboratively establish a… policy, that… will start a conversation amongst consumers about adopting rather than buying pets,” she said.
Louw added that key elements of the policy would include banning the advertising of breeds associated with the practice of dog fighting, puppies, exotic mammals, birds and reptiles.
Felix Erken, managing director of Junk Mail, added that the company would play its part in stopping the practice by refusing to run advertisements that did not meet the policy’s requirements.
“Despite being the leader in an incredibly competitive classified landscape in South Africa, we are implementing a pet advertising policy… as a demonstration of our committed partnership with Beauty without Cruelty,” he said.
OLX, in a similar move, has teamed up with other online classified platforms and Ban Animal Trading to launch operation Bite Back, aimed at curbing puppy mills and the selling of dogs online for illegal purposes.
Sharon Knowles, head of operations at OLX, praised the collaboration between the various partners and viewed it as a positive one.
“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,” she said.
She added that the company was also moving to ban certain types of adverts including those for pit bulls, staffies and other breeds targeted by dog fighters. She also explained that with the introduction of the ban, online trading could be expected to decrease dramatically.
To report suspicious adverts or to get a list of animal rights organisations and rescue groups, visit fpza@olx.co.za
