July 21, 2015,

Victoria, BC – UsedRegina.com will no longer allow household pet ads from people who are purposely breeding their pets, a move that implements the strictest policies for online classified sites in Canada and further protects the welfare of animals.

While UsedRegina.com — and parent company Used.ca — recognizes that there are many reputable and accredited breeders continuing excellent lineages in Canada, the company is unable to distiguish between these legitimate breeders and those simply profiting from the trafficking of animals with no regard to issues that plague animal welfare such as pet overpopulation, puppy mills, and animal safety.

“While these changes are company wide across Canada, the UK, and the US, we are working with the support of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies to connect us with regional animal welfare and rescue organizations, such as the Regina Humane Society,” says Elizabeth Dutton, president of Used.ca. “With more than 6.5M pageviews per month and 200,000 users, UsedRegina.com is an active community site for us.”

Those wishing to rehome pets or post ads looking for pets are still welcome to use the site. The ‘For Sale’ button has been replaced with ‘For Adoption/Rehoming,’ with the encouragement of a small adoption or rehoming fee. If users see any ads that look suspicious, UsedRegina.com welcomes and encourages them to use the ‘Report Ad’ button located on every ad. UsedRegina.com’s live moderation team removed pet ads from breeders, or those suspected of profiting from the sale of pets. UsedRegina.com has notified all users whose ads have been removed by email to update them on the new policies.

“This decision by UsedRegina.com is a victory for animals,” says Lisa Koch, Executive Director of the Regina Humane Society. “The Internet has become a safe haven for puppy mills and other unethical pet breeders to sell their animals. It sends a strong message that it’s unacceptable to exploit these pets by breeding them and selling them online for profit.”

If any pets ads still make it through the system enhancements, UsedRegina.com may attempt to make contact with the ad poster to determine the true nature of the ad, remove any user-reported ad, and, if necessary, work with police or animal rescue partners to ensure the safety of the pet in question. UsedRegina.com may also ban the user/API from their sites should they post ads that contravene these policies. By implementing these safeguards, Used.ca is leading the way in the online classifieds world.

This ban enhances the company’s stricter pet policies that were introduced in 2014, which included:

• Ads no longer going live without a human moderator reviewing them

• No posting of pet ads on any site outside of the user’s own province

• No breeding or studding of any animals

• Pets had to be at least eight weeks of age and date of birth must be clearly stated

• Photos must be of the actual pet(s)

“Online pet sales have been an ongoing issue in the classified industry for years. Websites like ours are not qualified or capable of regulating the breeding of pets,” says Dutton. “We realize this move will not solve all the issues, but it is a small step that may encourage other sites to strengthen their pet policies as well.”

For additional details on the new safeguards and enhancements, visit: http://r.Used.ca/TermsOfUse#postingPolicy_pets.

About the Regina Humane Society

The Regina Humane Society is a non-profit registered charity which respectfully serves animals and the community. Since 1964, the Society has passionately encouraged responsible pet ownership and humane policies, legislation, and progressive animal welfare programs. We provide clean, healthy and safe facilities to unwanted, lost, abused and neglected animals. We offer compassionate, professional and caring adoption, cremation, and animal protection services, and educational and public safety programs. For more information, visit http://www.reginahumanesociety.ca.

About Used.ca

Used.ca operates free classified sites in more than 84 locations throughout Canada and the United Kingdom. With head offices in Victoria, BC, and coast-to-coast sites from UsedVictoria.com to UsedPEI.com, this technology company focuses on families, community, sustainability and safety, while ensuring that sellers connect with buyers in a streamlined and efficient process. For more information, visit www.Used.ca.

 

Media contacts:

Brian Cant, Tartan Group: 250-592-3838, 250-888-8729 (cell) or brian@tartangroup.ca

Lisa Koch, Executive Director, Regina Humane Society: 306-543-6363 ext. 223 or lkoch@reginahumane.ca