Online relinquishment of pets now the norm
Online advertising now makes up a large proportion of pet relinquishments across Australia, a recent University of Adelaide study has confirmed.
The study, which audited dog and cat advertisements on popular online platform Gumtree and interviewed a number of those placing the ads, indicates thousands of pet owners are now choosing this option over surrendering their animals to a shelter or rescue organisation.
Despite the popularity of the practice, there are many risks involved with online trade in pets for both prospective owners and animals, and the authors of the study say regulation of the marketplace is needed to protect all parties.
Image credit: Josh Feinberg (CC BY 2.0)