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The High Cost of “Free to a Good Home”
work of Tender Heart Charities, Inc. out of Sarasota, Florida, who rescued her from Craigslist. This
article is written in honor of Daisy and the wonderful work that was done on her behalf by Tender Heart
Charities. We are so grateful that Daisy rescued us!
Please do not advertise any animals, anywhere, as “Free to a Good Home.” Some folks answering
the “Free to Good Home” ads really are loving, responsible pet owners. Many--perhaps even most--are
not. There are steps YOU can take to help end abuse:
DID YOU KNOW?
1. People value what they pay for. Pets obtained
for free are more likely to be abused
and/or discarded, because “there are plenty
more where that came from!”
2. So-called “Bunchers” gather free pets until
they have enough to make a trip to a lab
worthwhile, then sell them for $25 a head for
experimentation!
3. Free animals are taken to “blood” pit-bulls--to
4. Unspayed or unneutered pure-bred dogs
may end up as “breeding stock” in a puppy
mill.
5. According to one Humane Society, free kittens
are being taken to new “good homes” in
some areas--as dinner for a pet snake!
6. Animal hoarders watch the newspapers for
“Free to Good Home” animals. These collectors
truly believe they are “rescuing” the
Please support our partners — say you saw it in Pet Pages.
animals!
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
1. DON’T advertise free pets; DO convince others
not to. Some people even take the time
to phone owners of pets advertising “Free to
Good Home” and warn them of the dangers.
2. DO spay/neuter to keep from creating possible
“Free to Good Home” situations or
condemning your pet to a short, miserable
life in a puppy mill.
3. DO write letters to the editors of your local
newspapers warning of the dangers of “Free
to Good Home” sections in newspapers.
4. DO contact breed rescue organizations
(there is one for every breed of pure-bred
dog!) or local animal welfare organizations
for help in placing unwanted pets; if you
bought the pet from a responsible breeder,
he/she will help you rehome the pet.
5. DO charge at least $25 to discourage resale
of pets to labs. (Some sources suggest
charging no less than $100 for pure-bred
dogs.)
6. DO take the time to interview every prospective
owner. Ask for vet and personal references,
and check them, then visit the new
home where your pet will be living!
7. DO write a letter to your congressmen in support
of legislation aimed at doing away with
Class B dealers, who sell animals obtained
from “random sources” to research facilities.
Random sources include strays, stolen pets,
seized shelter animals, animals purchased at
to good home” ads.
8. DO report any incidence of suspected dog-
local Humane Society. DON’T try to stop
these people yourselves; there is a lot of
money involved here, and you could be putting
yourself and your pets at risk if you try to
intervene alone.
9. DO call police, animal welfare workers, even
the health department, if someone in your
area seems to be “collecting” cats or dogs or
for any incidences of suspected abuse. Be
willing to testify in court, if necessary.
Get more information at:
www.pawswithheart.com/free_to_good_home.htm
“Free to a Good Home”
/free_to_good_home.htm