Advertising in the church bulletin

from the front door of the CFHS website http://cfhs.ca/
CFHS and Kijiji – A proud partnership promoting responsible pet ownership
As more people turn to the internet to research and browse for a new pet, the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies and Kijiji have partnered together to educate people about the need to choose a new pet responsibly. Adding a new pet to your home not only means doing your research on what type of animal best suits your lifestyle and who will be the main caregiver, but also whether you will adopt from a humane society or SPCA or look for a responsible and reputable breeder.
The CFHS advocates adopting your new pet from a local humane society or SPCA. However, we also recognize that some people really want to purchase from a breeder. To ensure that you are not supporting disreputable breeders or puppy mills when purchasing a new pet, the CFHS, in partnership with Kijiji, has developed a new brochure entitled Choose Your Pet Responsibly . This brochure gives prospective pet owners tips and guidelines to ensure that you make an informed choice when selecting a new pet. From why you should choose adoption as your first option to how to spot a disreputable breeder, this pamphlet is a must-read for all.
On June 13th and 14th, the CFHS will be joining Kijiji at North America’s largest outdoor canine festival, Woofstock. The annual festival in Toronto is the perfect place for dog lovers to come together to browse the latest in gadgets, clothing and other accessories. It is also a great place to meet animal lovers and talk about choosing a pet responsibly. The CFHS will be there to spread the word on adoption as well as how to find a responsible breeder. Come by the Kijiji booth for more information and a chance to win 1 of 2 pet goodie baskets; we’ll also have loot bags for making a donation as well as various other materials available.
Excuse me? Was I reading right? As an organic gardener, I've put better smelling things in buckets to make 'teas' for fertilizer.
Up until this point, I have had nothing but respect for CFHS. I am sure that in the course of communicating with their members, it has already been pointed out that reputable breeders rarely, if ever, advertise their wares on the free online web site.
These days, most reputable breeders have their own websites. Not only can site visitors meet the dogs and view pedigrees and planned breedings, there is usually a fair bit of information about the breed as well. In addition, many of these breeders also work with the national or regional breed rescue groups. ( For instance, my sweet Ben was rescued by the Clarenville SPCA, but because he was a Golden, he was brought under the loving umbrella of Maritime Golden Retriever Rescue , http://www.marigoldgoldens.com/Marigoldgoldens/Home.html, and in fact Ben's picture is still on the rescue page of the site) One of my own neighbours has recently adopted a lovely Bullmastiff from the local breeder who works with the national rescue group. You get the idea.
People interested in buying a purebred can find breeder listings either on Canuck Dogs http://www.canuckdogs.com/atlantic/ , by visiting http://www.grandane.com/NS.Kennels/about.html or simply by contacting their own area kennel club.
So I am a complete and utter loss to understand why CFHS would partner with Kijiji. Their ads don't differentiate between the backyard breeders, puppy brokers like the Benoits and the occasional registered breeder who overestimated the market ( the topic of where the line should be drawn on breeders whose dogs exist simply to produce puppies and not to better or at least maintain breed standards is a separate rant for another day)
Mind you, I can understand why Kijiji wants the partnership. It lends an instant legitimacy that can be pulled out of their hat every time any animal welfare group or animal advocate complains about the practice of selling and/or giving away living breathing sentient beings online. The person or department who hatched this particular plan will very likely be getting a promotion and wonderful bonus this year for sure.
Do animal welfare groups need financial support to do their work? Of course they do. CFHS is engaged in (yet another in what must to them be a very long succession) campaign to better the lot of animal welfare legislation in this country.
Here in the real world, it takes money to get anything done. The problem is that while there certainly wouldn't be any contractual constraints from this partnership, its very existence just sugar coats the seamy side of the free online ad sites.
Why is this partnership as unsuitable at 'adult escort' services advertising in the church bulletin?
Right now, Kijiji is dripping with 'free kittens' and horrible ads like http://halifax.kijiji.ca/c-pets-to-give-or-donate-HELP-I-AM-OVERLOADED-IN-CATS-W0QQAdIdZ133546492. The bottom line is that it provides a free, no questions asked solution that creates more animal welfare problems than a cute little brochure will ever offset.