Is it true that giving away pets through advertisements in newspapers is a bad idea? I have read that people called “bunchers” will come to your home acting all innocent, but actually planning something rather nasty for your pet. The information I read claims that “free to good home animals” frequently go to laboratories, cults, and for “bait” in training fighting dogs. If this is a real problem, is it more common in urban or rural areas?
Well I certainly see where this question comes from. Every Joe Blow “animal friend” who can throw up a website includes, with the obligatory wistful kitty pictures and piano music, a more or less hysterical warning about the gang of bunchers circling like sharks waiting to get their hands on Mr. Whiskers.
The Humane Society of the United States has guidelines for getting rid of an unwanted pet. I was amazed to see the warning there too, tho they don’t say the ad is a “bad idea”. Rather, they suggest a way to mitigate “bunchers” … mainly by insisting on a visit to the new home.
The cult member thing seems highly doubtful, but I wouldn’t put it past people who obtain animals for laboratories. I would definitely insist, beforehand, on a follow up visit to the animal a month or so later.
This is a tough question - I’m sure the ratio of wackos to nice folks is low, but they are out there. The way I handled it when I had to place an animal was this way: I put up some photos at the local grocery store on the billboard with tear-off tags that had my name and phone number on them.
When the good folks called (2 hours later), I drove the pet over to THEIR house to meet them. Nice house. Nice couple. 3 young boys. Woods off the back yard, a pool. I emphasized that I was very concerned about the safety of my little guy, and if they ever had second thoughts or problems, they could call back and I would take care of him. They asked me to drop by or visit anytime to check on him, and I did about 6 wks later.
I guess my recommendation is to keep the advertising VERY local (not the newspaper) and check out the new habitat. Also, my vet will take in litters to adopt out - the folks that are exposed to them are caring and responsible pet owners (since they’re already AT THE VET). It was also quite comforting two weeks ago, while waiting to pick up our deceased pet for burial, to see the kittens playing and romping around in their cage.
Not a bad thing at all! Wild eatin’ cats are hard to capture, tend to be stringy and have a strong “gamey” taste. Cage rearing them for a few weeks to “clean 'em out” so they are fit for the table is time consuming and expensive. The plump, housebound Lil’ Friskies fed critters are much more tender and ready for the pot almost immediately. Got a nice Maine Coon the other week that fed 5 for Sunday dinner and gave me lunch sandwiches for the rest of the week! There’s no such thing as an unwanted cat in my house.
Here’s a recipe my family’s used for generations.
You’re hilarious, astro. I buried TWO beloved old cats in the last fortnight. Did you read the last sentence just above your post? Glad to see there’s room for humor here for you, when the OP is obviously anxious about adopting out some critters and looking for advice and reassurance.
Your smilie does not de-louse your post. I’ll spare you the “putz” because I know you’re a smart and reliable poster. You might engage a bit more sensitivity in light of a “2 post” newbie’s question. No hard feelings, I just think it’s a misplaced joke.
I’ve learned a lot from you over the last few years. I’m not calling you out into the pit, or anything like that. Dead cat jokes are not too germane to this forum, IMHO. Try IMHO.
Thanks for stickin’ up for me stockton. I am sorry about your two cats. 
Actually, I am not adopting out an animal at this time. These “free to good home” warnings are something which I see often in this area. I even read an article the other week stating newsapers are a national shame and should be boycotted because they are tools for these buncher people. It all sounds rather extreme! I was curious if it has any basis in fact. I wondered if anybody here had first-hand experience with such people. These warnings have been circulating in this area for years.
I figured astro was kidding. I’ll keep an eye out though if there is ever a need to take my cats to Salisbury,MD.
Thanks for the tips and for stickin’ up for me stockton. I am sorry about your two cats.
Actually, I am not adopting out an animal at this time. These “free to good home” warnings are something which I see often in this area. I even read an article the other week stating newspapers are a national shame and should be boycotted because they are tools for these buncher people. It all sounds rather extreme! I was curious if it has any basis in fact. I wondered if anybody here had first-hand experience with such people.
I figured astro was kidding. I’ll keep an eye out though if there is ever a need to take my cats to Salisbury,MD.
Ewww…double posts. My slow browser and newness at this is showing.
This is one thing I miss about the States.
When I moved to England I chose to leave my ‘child’ with my parents rather than haivng her in quarantine for 6 months +. I had her from 6 weeks to the wonderful 12 years she was when I left and knew that being in a cage for 6 months would kill her…
Needless to say after a bit of grieving I wanted another pooch. However, over here people do not give away animals. A mongrel can cost you up to £150 (over $200)!!! If you are breed specific, be prepared to pay up to, or exceeding, $1000.
It is just ridiculous!!! Even though my love for animals is quite high, I refuse to fork out this kind of money. True, it may weed out the undesireables getting the animal, but for pitysake folks… some of us just can’t see doing this.
For now I just drool over the dogs running in the park and get sad whenever I think about my poochy and how much I miss having an animal in my life :O(
-
Oh, and yes, I have looked into the RSPCA. It still cost a minimum of £50, and they have to do a home inspection, and both partners are interviewed before the animal is released or even considered for adoption…
-
Growing up in the States, this is how I got most of my animals - free to good home ads… and plenty of “PLLLEEEEAAASSSE DADDY???” :O)
“Free to a good home…” I wish :O(