Use the BACK button on your browser to go back

 

PET THEFT

 

"FREE TO GOOD HOME" ADS, "FOUND ANIMAL" ADS

 

WARNING!  Don't trust strangers!

 

Dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens are at risk every time they are offered through a "Free To Good Home" ad or a "Found" ad.  People have been known to answer these ads with the intent of selling these animals to research laboratories, for dog fight training, and other reasons which result in the animals being abused, tortured, and killed.

 

Only qualified animal protection organization representatives and animal shelters are capable of screening those who want to adopt animals.

 

 

FREE TO GOOD HOME ADS -- A BAD IDEA

IF YOU REFUSE TO TAKE THE ANIMAL TO THE SHELTER:

 

Contact us [(812) 969-2615] to learn how to properly screen each person answering your ad.  Our volunteers will provide screening services.

 

DON'T TRUST STRANGERS!  

 

DO NOT give any animal to a stranger unless identity and place of residence is provided.    

  1. The person must provide at least three references (friends and co-workers) and you must contact and visit those references.

  2. The person must provide valid photo ID such as a driver's license.

  3. The person must provide proof of residence such as a utility bill, property tax notice or auto registration.

The person must agree to have the animal spayed or neutered by calling (812) 969-2615.

 

DO NOT allow anyone to pick up the animal from your home -- you must first visit the home of the person wanting the animal and then deliver it to them.

 

 

FOUND ANIMAL ADS -- ANOTHER BAD IDEA

 

IF YOU REFUSE TO TAKE THE ANIMAL TO THE SHELTER:

 

How to run a found animal ad -- do not describe the animal

 

SAMPLE AD     Dog (or cat) found, July 20, 2007

                        Southern Indiana area -- must

                        describe and/or provide photos

                        of animal to claim.  Phone #

 

DO NOT DESCRIBE THE ANIMAL IN THE AD

Those answering the ad must provide description and proof of ownership.  Unscrupulous individuals seek free animals through found ads, answer these type of ads, claim the animal, then sell the animal to research laboratories or use them for dog fight training or other cruelties.

 

DO NOT SPECIFY THE LOCATION THE ANIMAL WAS FOUND

Lost animals have been found in other counties and states -- if you pinpoint the site where the animal was found, people living in other areas who are searching for the animal might not answer your ad and the chance the animal will be returned home is reduced.

 

ESTABLISH PROOF OF OWNERSHIP THROUGH DESCRIPTION OF THE ANIMAL AND PHOTOS

Each person who answers the ad must first describe the animal and provide photos before being allowed to see the animal.  The goal is to make certain the animal is returned to the right person.

 

DO NOT GIVE OUT YOUR HOME ADDRESS ON THE PHONE  

You will invite potential theft of the animal.

 

ESTABLISH IDENTIFICATION OF THE PERSON CLAIMING THE ANIMAL  

Require photo ID and proof of residence through property tax notices, auto registration, and/or utility bills.

 

IF YOU CANNOT ESTABLISH PROOF OF OWNERSHIP... 

...adopt the animal yourself or take it to the Harrison County Animal Control Facility.

 

 

CONTACT US AT (812) 969-2615 TO REPORT MISSING PETS -- We can provide search techniques

 

FOR FREE SPAY/NEUTER SERVICES:  (812) 969-2615.