Gumtree Pet Sales Controversy Concerns Over Animal Welfare And Free Pets

The online marketplace Gumtree has become a platform for buying and selling various items, including pets. However, recent concerns have emerged regarding the welfare of animals advertised and sold through the platform, particularly in Glasgow and across the United Kingdom. This article examines the controversy surrounding pet sales on Gumtree, focusing on animal welfare issues, the rise in dog thefts, and the growing call for the platform to ban all pet advertisements.

The Issue with Gumtree's Pet Sales

Gumtree currently allows live animals such as dogs and cats to be advertised and sold for a fee of £2.99, which the platform claims meets the requirements of the Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG). However, critics argue that this fee is not sufficient to deter irresponsible sellers and does little to ensure proper animal welfare. The platform's safeguards, including the Gumtree Pet Policy, have been described as "completely useless" without proper inspection of listings and home visits to buyers and sellers.

According to the policy, members are only allowed to post two pet advertisements within a 12-month period. However, critics note that it would take a Gumtree member less than 10 minutes to create a new account or use a friend or family member's email to bypass this limitation. This loophole enables sellers to continue advertising pets indefinitely without adequate oversight.

Impact of Increased Pet Sales During Lockdown

The sale of dogs on Gumtree has significantly increased during periods when more people have been working from home, such as during lockdowns. This surge in demand has pushed the price of dogs and puppies to an all-time high, which has inadvertently led to a rise in dog thefts throughout the UK. Criminals have reportedly capitalized on this trend, using Gumtree as an easy platform to sell stolen dogs and cats to unknowing buyers.

The industry is described as being driven by a network of often unqualified breeders, transporters, and dealers who prioritize profit over animal welfare. These actors exploit the platform's ease of use to facilitate their operations, with little regard for the wellbeing of the animals involved.

Concerns About Free Pets and Animal Abuse

One particularly troubling aspect of Gumtree's pet sales is the availability of animals for free or very low prices. Critics have highlighted numerous cases across the United Kingdom where cats have been given away for free, only to be used as bait in dog fights. This practice has been documented by news outlets, including a BBC report from Glasgow.

The petition against Gumtree's pet sales includes disturbing allegations about the fate of animals obtained through the platform. According to supporters, "There is evidence to prove that animals advertised on Gumtree are used for baiting, fighting, rape, torture and eventual murder." Such claims underscore the serious welfare concerns associated with the platform's pet sales policies.

The Case for Adoption Over Purchase

Advocates for banning pet sales on Gumtree argue that potential pet owners should consider adoption from reputable charities, organizations, or foster homes rather than purchasing from unknown breeders. They question why someone would buy a pet from a breeder whose qualifications and health practices are unknown when they could adopt for potentially half the price from a source where animals are properly cared for.

The petition specifically calls for Gumtree to "ban ALL ads selling or rehoming animals and instead encourage people to use shelters or certified animal fosterers." This approach, supporters argue, would promote responsible pet ownership and prevent the exploitation of animals for financial gain or malicious purposes.

Examples of Pet Sales in Glasgow

An examination of pet advertisements on Gumtree's Glasgow platform reveals numerous listings for Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffy) puppies. These ads typically describe the puppies as "friendly," "good with kids," and "well looked after," with some mentioning that the puppies have been wormed and treated for fleas.

However, these listings also raise questions about breeding practices. Many ads state that "mum and dad can be seen," suggesting that the puppies are being sold by home breeders rather than professional kennels. Some ads include prices (£250 for example), while others mention that the owner needs to rehome the pet "due to commitments" or because they "have no time for her," potentially indicating that these pets could be given away for free or at a reduced price.

The Platform's Response and Alternatives

Gumtree has defended its pet sales policies, claiming to have safeguards in place to protect animals. However, critics argue that these measures are inadequate without proper enforcement mechanisms such as home visits and identity verification of sellers.

Some have pointed to eBay as an example of a platform that has stopped allowing pet sales, suggesting that Gumtree should follow suit. The petition against Gumtree's pet sales has garnered significant support, with over 137,000 signatures at the time of reporting, indicating widespread concern about the platform's role in facilitating pet sales.

Privacy Concerns on Gumtree

Beyond the animal welfare issues, Gumtree's practices have raised privacy concerns. According to the platform's app information, Gumtree collects various types of data from users, including:

• Location data
• Search history
• Browsing history
• Identifiers
• Usage data
• Purchases
• Contact information
• User content

Some of this data is used to track users across apps and websites owned by other companies, while other data may be collected but not linked to the user's identity. These data collection practices raise additional questions about the platform's commitment to user privacy and security.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding pet sales on Gumtree highlights significant concerns about animal welfare, responsible breeding practices, and the role of online marketplaces in facilitating potentially harmful transactions. While the platform claims to have safeguards in place, critics argue that these measures are inadequate without proper enforcement and verification mechanisms.

The rise in dog thefts, the use of free pets for malicious purposes, and the potential exploitation of animals by unqualified breeders underscore the need for stronger regulation or an outright ban on pet sales through online platforms like Gumtree. As the petition against Gumtree's pet sales demonstrates, there is substantial public support for such measures.

For consumers looking to acquire pets, adoption from reputable shelters and certified foster organizations remains the recommended alternative to purchasing through online marketplaces. This approach not only ensures the wellbeing of the animals but also supports organizations dedicated to animal welfare.

Sources

1. Gumtree: Stop selling Live Animals
2. Gumtree – Buy & Sell App
3. Glasgow Staffy Puppy Listings