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“Free to a Good Home”
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 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
good home” ads.
8. DO report any incidence of suspected dog-
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.
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