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SCAMS
You always want to assume the best about people and their intentions, but when it comes to animals who are vulnerable and cannot speak out to protect themselves, it is very important to take precautions. Whether you are looking for a lost pet, trying to find the rightful owner for a stray animal you found, or seeking a new adopter for an animal in your care -it is always in the animal's best interest if you are thoughtful and cautious about the steps you take. Here are some common scams to be aware of: I. Class B Dealers Class B dealers are USDA licensed dog and cat dealers who acquire and resell "random sourced" animals to medical laboratories for experimental research. Some of the animals they acquire are purchased from licensed breeding facilities, but a percentage of these animals are often stolen by people called "bunchers." "Bunchers" collect animals for Class B dealers who then sell the animals (often at a very large profit) to medical laboratories across the nation. "Bunchers" look for cheap deals and often comb neighborhoods, newspapers, and classified ads in their search for stray and free animals. While "bunching" is against the law, it is still commonly practiced in the United States. II. Misrepresentation People with ulterior motives have also been known to pose as adopters, pet finders, and even somebody who has lost an animal. They misrepresent themselves as responsible adopters or owners, pretending they want to adopt an animal or reclaim a stray animal that isn't truly theirs. In reality, these people sometimes subject the animals they acquire to abuse or turn around and sell the animals to medical laboratories or animal dealers to make a profit. A notorious scam in the Chicago area involved an individual who responded to "lost flyers", claiming he had found stray animals. He would describe the animal over the phone and then demand a reward, but never actually had stray animals in his possession. His tactics duped a number of people. |
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Welfare Awareness Recommended Reading: You Can Save the Animals: 251 Ways to Stop Thoughtless Cruelty  |