The GM of the E-Bay Classified Section left a comment on the E-Bay Petition that I think needs to be shared with all of you. It is clear from his response that they just don't understand the type of "breeder" they are promoting by allowing live animal classifieds on their site. They don't understand that they educated consumer would NEVER purchase a puppy this way. They know they can't possibly regulate the condition of the animals that are sold on their site and have to wait for complaints from buyers in order to pull classified ads which might be one thing when you are dealing with a seller who repeatedly switches out one set of plates for another or who says something is like new and then it arrives all chipped and tarnished. They are dealing with innocent lives that need our protection.
If it is true that they have a relationship with Petfinder and list adoptable dogs (which I am really unconvinced about as I don't see rescues allowing their dogs to be put side to side with backyard breeder and puppy mill ads) then they should just switch to being an outlet for extra promotion of rescues and shelters so that local dogs without homes can find them. Not only would this help get more animals in homes but imagine the good press they would receive for a move such as this.
Deepak Thomas
eBay Classifieds' response to Change.org petition
Dear Change.org: We understand your concerns around the re-homing of animals on eBay Classifieds and we respect opinions and feedback on the subject.
The inherently local nature of eBay Classifieds fosters in-person meetings and offers a safe way to find a new pet. People hoping to find a pet can meet directly with the current pet owner or breeder face-to-face. This personal interaction provides the opportunity for pet seekers to see where the pet comes from and gives shelters and pet sellers the chance to meet the prospective new owner and evaluate whether the new home and family will be a good fit for the animal.
Unlike many other classifieds providers, eBay Classifieds offers consumers a range of educational materials including pet ownership guidelines that we developed with input from the Humane Society of the United States. To help new pet owners, each pet ad on eBay Classifieds includes a link to these “Responsible Pet Ownership & Adoption” guidelines. Additionally, through a partnership with Petfinder, nearly two-thirds of the pets listed on eBay Classifieds are from shelters.
We do not condone the unethical treatment of animals, and we take measures to identify and block irresponsible breeders from our site. We listen closely to our community for reports of any unhealthy animals being sold by our users. A user who is found to have violated eBay Classifieds’ pet policies will face disciplinary action, including suspension or prohibition from the site.
It is important to eBay Classifieds and to the animal lovers that frequent our site that ethical and legal requirements covering the breeding and sale of pets are followed by our users. In accordance with many state laws, eBay Classifieds prohibits the sale of puppies or kittens under 8 weeks old. Any ad in the pet category that does not comply with applicable laws, including laws set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as well as the Animal Welfare Act will be removed immediately. eBay Classifieds will suspend any user who is found to have a history of non-compliant inspections with the USDA.
We hope eBay Classifieds can be used to find forever homes for animals in all situations.
Thank You,
Deepak Thomas
GM eBay Classifieds US
Please be sure to visit the Petition and sign it in order to get E-bay to stop the sale of live animals on their site forever.
http://animals.change.org/blog/view/ebay_classifieds_gives_puppy_mills_a_platform#share_source=blog-top_fb