Dealing with the Ontario government about improving animal protections is very frustrating. The empty words, the broken promises and the fact that you know that they really just do not care. If they truly wanted to improve animal protections they could….they really could.
But politicians and their “advisors” are all about balancing the ask VS the political cost. If I did X … how will it impact my ability to stay in power? Who am I ticking off, who will start lobbying against me?
But another entity that is almost as frustrating is KIJIJI.
For over 10 years, animal welfare advocates have been trying to get Kijiji to stop providing the easy and anonymous marketplace to traffic LIVING BREATHING ANIMALS.
When you look at Kijiji’s Pet Posting Policies it is quite substantial.
https://help.kijiji.ca/policies/pet-posting-policies
They list all the things they do not allow. But many of these things are just empty words. For example….”Kijiji prohibits the sale of puppies and kittens under 8 weeks old. Date of birth for these animals must be clearly stated in the ad.” So if the person who is selling the animals puts in a date that shows the animal is over the age of 8 weeks – no problem !!! How asinine is this!!!!
We, members of the public cannot depend on government or business stepping up and doing the right thing.
We as individuals must make better decisions. Educate ourselves, ask questions..follow our guts.
We must try to spread awareness to help educate people so they will not buy live animals from Kijiji or FB Marketplace or websites.
Ethical breeders DO NOT meet people in parking lots to exchange $$$ for a puppy!!!!
Ethical breeders DO NOT bar you from meeting the parent animals!
Ethical breeders will be fully transparent about their breeding operation. They WANT to show you around..they are open. They want to know who is buying one of their puppies…they actually care about their wellbeing.
Ethical breeders DO NOT have a constant stream of litters!!
Ethical breeders DO NOT sell several breeds.
If your friend is buying from what you know could be unethical…care enough to have a conversation with them.
Rescues, humane societies and animal control facilities have many types of animals available for adoption. They are fully vetted and spayed/neutered.