I'm just sick now...my God this infuriates me! Seeing that sweet Taylor's face, then knowing what happened to him, breaks my heart. What disturbed me more was that cops are seeing an INCREASE in cruelty charges since the Vick case. What the hell is going on? Are all these people who say "they're just animals" on the blog now proving their point in the sickest way possible? JHC, the human race is going to hell in a handbasket. Now PLEASE, someone try to tell me this guy wouldn't have eventually done the same thing to a person!

Posted by: BullyDawg | October 1, 2007 03:44 PM

Reading this broke my heart. How sad!! These poor cats must have suffered so much. There is too much violence against all of the other animals.

Posted by: Ana | October 1, 2007 04:19 PM

While some animals may fall into the hands of ne'er-do-wells, is it better to sentence all of them to a possible death a pound?

Posted by: Anonymous | October 1, 2007 04:23 PM

And the cats who don't get taken by sociopathic wackos get to participate in vivisection experiments! The friendly lab folks are happy to provide "good homes" to cats. And dogs, some of whom get sent off to such places as the Phillipines for supper.

Posted by: The Good Steve | October 1, 2007 06:48 PM

I believe that it is awful what craigslist is doing by allowing these adds

Posted by: nick drachman | October 1, 2007 08:42 PM

I read about this today and couldn't believe the touture these "kids" inflicked on these animals! Why! Free spells disaster, don't people get it! They don't care who gets the animals all the want is to get rid of the mistakes they made by not spaying or neutering their pets in the first place. Get with it people!

Posted by: Carla | October 1, 2007 08:52 PM

Although I agree that these lists are stupid and irresponsible it is really the people that have these animals and just want to get rid of them that are to blame here. Some people just want the animal gone and don't care who has them as long as they don't have to deal with it anymore, otherwise they would never give them away without checking on the person who is taking the animal in the first place.

Posted by: Sonia | October 1, 2007 09:42 PM

I am disguted and outraged after reading this! Is there anything I can do to ensure that Austin gets the maximum sentence for his heinous crime? I would like to do whatever I can.

Posted by: Rebeca Gonzalez | October 1, 2007 11:10 PM

i would just like to know what is the percentage of abuse cases reported on animals adopted through this site or any other site. WOuld you rather the animals be let out of the house to fend for themselves? Or maybe they should just get dropped off on a highway somewhere.

Posted by: palm2391 | October 2, 2007 01:03 AM

What a coincidence:

http://statenews.com/index.php/article/2007/10/dont_put_your_pets_on_allmsu

PETA should send a letter to this website as well.

Posted by: Wil | October 2, 2007 09:25 AM

Animals should NEVER be put up on a public ad stating that they are "free"..there are so many sick people out there!!! These poor animals could be picked up as bait for dog fighting, sold to labs, or tortured and murdered as these innocent tabby cats were..how can the people who run craigslist allow this to continue!? I am completely disgusted and disappointed and will no longer be using craigslist for anything as long as they are allowing this horror to continue.

Posted by: kate | October 2, 2007 09:35 AM

I use craigslist a lot, and sometimes I put cats from a local shelter up for adoption on craigslist and every time I see a free to a good home ad I e-mail the person and try to explain how dangerous that is, but the e-mail back is usual "mind your own business"

People don't care. Craigslist should care for them.

Posted by: Michele Vieira | October 2, 2007 10:20 AM

Is is not up to the original owner to check out the new owner and be responsible for the new home that the pet will be going to. I question that without outlets like Craigslist that these pets might end up on the street/farm or at the nearest shelter where they may stand less of a chance to live.

Posted by: sean burkowski | October 2, 2007 11:38 AM

Sean Burkowski, get real and get educated. The puppy mills pick up animals from craiglist postings, the dog fighters pick up animals from craigslist listings, the research animal dealers as well. and worse.

Not to mention that craigslist is overrun with scammers that are robbing people blind.

And you just give animals away to any person that calls you up? What planet are you from- Gullible?

A qualified shelter or rescue screens new owners, and also provides altering, shots, and vet treatment and health checks.

Pets don't belong on craigslist.

Posted by: kelly | October 2, 2007 02:47 PM

Jim Buckmaster,President and
CEO of craigslist, must know
that their website "free to
a good home" is both morally,
and ethically wrong---not to
mention putting precious-
innocent animal lives; at risk.This is time sensative;
no one wants any more animals
placed in the wrong hands.
Can we count on Buckmaster to
do the right thing? With
enough E-Mails, letters, and
phone calls (hopefully) Let's
keep on him.

Posted by: Pamela Locke | October 2, 2007 02:53 PM

Your organization is the most despicable I have ever encountered. You fail to realize that you BETRAY YOUR OWN SPECIES!!! Animal "rights" are anti-human rights! Anything unable to comprehend the concept of rights cannot have it. If you have a problem with the consumption of animal resources, do not buy animal commodities. DO NOT TRY TO CONTROL OTHERS. I am a strong supporter of the animal resource industry. Animal resources are renewable and vital to human society. Why just stop at animals? You are hypocrites. The plants you claim it is ethical to rip from the ground and consume are also living organisms, aren’t they!? If it is not right for me to eat animal products, it is not ethical for you to eat and wear plant products. You radical, ignorant fanatics need to be stopped before you cause real detriment to the human race.

Posted by: Anonymous | October 2, 2007 03:04 PM

For those who say that the cats would have ended up euthanized at a shelter, anyway...true, it's a terrible and sad fact that some of these animals will never find homes. But seriously, if you were given a choice between being put to sleep and disemboweled alive, which are you going to choose? I thought so.

Posted by: BullyDawg | October 2, 2007 03:40 PM

This is terrible and disgusting. I have never been a fan of craigslist for there seems to be no rule for anything and the thought of having animals easily acessable to abusers is infurating. People should realize that animals are living and have feelings, and that if you get an animal you get it for life not just for the time you want it.

Posted by: Colleen | October 2, 2007 04:06 PM

Sean Burkowski:
I don't understand how you believe that it isn't up to the original "owner" to check out the new "owner". If not them, then who else? Who else does the animal have looking out for him/her. It is absolutely the full responsibility of the person giving up the animal; this responsibility falls SQUARELY on the shoulders of the person no longer able (or willing) to care for the animal.

Palm 2391 writes:
i would just like to know what is the percentage of abuse cases reported on animals adopted through this site or any other site. WOuld you rather the animals be let out of the house to fend for themselves? Or maybe they should just get dropped off on a highway somewhere.

To Palm 2391:
It is in the best interest of the animals for folks out there to curtail the "free to good home" ads. Those that insist on giving "free" animals away are just asking for trouble. "Free" ads give the public the appearance of desperation on behalf of the person giving the animal away.

Such ads are too much of a temptation for those that scan "free" ads with ill intent in mind. And I speak of those that wish to procure "free" animals to torture, "free" animals to sell to laboratories, "free" animals to use as bait for their dogfighting ring. Then there are those that will take in a "free" animal on impulse because, well, he/she was free after all, but then tire of caring for him/her soon after.

It's just not worth it!

Posted by: V. Soto | October 2, 2007 05:07 PM

This is absolutley disgusting. I feel so bad for those cats, they were innocent and didn't do anything wrong and look what happened to them. It really is a shame what people do to animals. I wish there were more people like PETA and all of us that would help get animal cruelty and what really goes on behind closed doors more public because i dont think a lot of people know just how bad it really is. Keep helping animals PETA!

Posted by: Allie | October 2, 2007 05:20 PM

How is Criagslist much different in this rule than posting something in your local paper about a free pet? Or screw that, how about the people that just dump there pets in the streets. Pet who don't care about there pets are the ones that don't ensure good homes. They are to be bashed, not Craigslist.

Posted by: roxxandmins | October 2, 2007 06:00 PM

I adopted my dog off of craig's list and it was the best pet I ever had, it's not ALL BAD people.

Posted by: Rebecca | October 2, 2007 06:01 PM

Anonymous

Take your meds, you're more of a threat to the human race because of your mad rantings. VEGAN POWER!!!!!

Posted by: Ana | October 2, 2007 06:17 PM

This is, yes, a horrible thing. But why are we up in arms at craigslist and not against the sick little jerks who commited this act? What about their parents who, obviously, did not do such a great job raising their children? While I do not like some of the ads I see on craigslist (free is sort of scary to see), I would like to point out that I got my kitty on craigslist and he is the best part of my day - NOT an abuse victim. Also, several shelters and humane society workers post on craigslist to let the community know of an adoption event or especially special animal.

I think the outrage is warrented, just misplaced. If these sick kids wanted to torture an animal, they would find one...or even three. Lets get angry at the source of the problem - bad parents and bad people.

Posted by: Melissa | October 2, 2007 06:18 PM

One more thing...

what about the idiot who gave these kids their cats in the first place? Obviously, the picture of the one poor kitty came from somewhere - probably the previous owner who is now regreting their rehoming without any care.

If a person has decided that they can no longer care for their LIFETIME COMMITMENT, shame on them for using craigslist as a scapegoat for their own mistake.

Posted by: Melissa | October 2, 2007 06:21 PM

I understand how some people think that when the ad says free its just inviting trouble. I have 3 dogs and 5 cats at home right now and everyone one of them have been disposed of by their prior owners in one form or another. I have a medium size mixed breed that was tossed out of a moving car when she was 8 to 10 weeks old, yes weeks. She is now going on 5 years, I have a 17 year old cat that was left in an apt. when the owners moved out, she was only 12 weeks old at that time. I have a 10 year old Doberman that the prior owners paid over 700.00 for him as a pup and put him in a crate for the next 5 years of his life and didnt understand why he had behavioral problems. I had an iguana several years back that someone I knew from work was tired of it and was going to let it go outside where the temperature would get real cold, as most people know they cannot survive without heat. The list goes on and on and I am sure there are thousands or millions of people who will say the same its not how much you pay for the animal its how much you love it, I didnt pay one dime to get them into my life and my home, but I have given them millions of dollars in love, comfort and attention. So please dont try and convince me that by having an ad say free that it is going to be bad for the animal and dont try to convince me that if someone is willing to pay for the animal it will get a better home, because I have seen first hand the kind of lives some of those expensive pets live.

Posted by: Anonymous | October 2, 2007 06:22 PM

You guys seem to be forgetting a fundimental issue here. This tabby came from craigslist...so what? Many reputable rescues use it as a free tool to help place fosters, promote events and gain all important funding. Free to good home is a side effect of our throw away society. It's obvious that too many ranting about this haven't been in the trenches of animal rescue and seen animals get adopted and returned, neglected, ignored, or my personal favorite turned in to a kill shelter at 15+ when they are blind, diseased and infirm. By killing craigslist you're taking away a tool used by rescues to adopt animals and monitor those that would do harm or need to be educated.

No amount of money can guarantee a good home. $100, 500 or even $1000 adoption guarantees nothing about that animals future, just that they can buy and expensive pet like happens in pet stores daily. No shelter every time knows what will happen years later to every animal they adopt. Yes craigslist is full of scammers, puppy millers and people making money off irresponsibly breeding, demanding that a portal be closed won't change the fact that these are HUMANS making irresponsible decisions for animals!! All they will do is put them in a cardboard box at the grocery store, sell them at a garage sale, dump them in the local alley (where do you think ferals come from) or worse. Craigslist doesn't make these monsters society does. The rampant inhumane practices that even your own group practices by branding things in black (bad) and white (our way and good)does nothing to stop the cruelty that creates serial killers, murderers and the atrocities that come through shelter doors all across this country every day.

Posted by: txlady | October 2, 2007 06:27 PM

Oh quit crying. CL DOES warn against free to good home ads and it is VERY clear when you go to post an ad the terrible fate that may visit free animals. CL is an excellent community outlet that bad people can exploit. What PETA won't tell you (among many other things) is that most free ads of people trying to get rid of their animal ASAP are flagged off. CL is a great place.

Posted by: Liz | October 2, 2007 06:30 PM

I am not in search of an argument here, my reason for viewing this site is to educate myself, and I thought the purpose of a Blog was for discussion. If you disagree please let me know....but you do not have to be so condescending and quick to judge. I am not the enemy here! I was merely speaking from my own experience within my own community. I am open to discussion and to changing my view when educated discussion leads me there... In my city there is a $50 dollar charge for dropping cats at the human society (which i do not disagree with they have cost to cover)but it leads to alot of people who cannot afford the $50 dollars to drop there cat in our rural areas and streets. One of my cats came from a "for free" add and he has had a great home. The previous owners came to visit my house and meet my other animals before agreeing. I am aware that does not always happen and it should always be a forever commitment of an owner to ensure the quality of life of the animal. I do not think is Craigslist that is at fault but the owners not following through on there own commitment to the animal.

Posted by: sean | October 2, 2007 07:50 PM

v soto..it was a typing error i meant..... is "it" not.....sorry for the typo.....

Posted by: sean burkowski | October 2, 2007 07:58 PM

As a rule anymore, I choose not waste my time directly responding to the animal haters' nonsense on this forum because they are insensed, nonsensical, and most of them are only seeking attention or spew hatred.
Keeping in accordance with my rule, I would just like to sincerely thank any animal haters who think of a/r's activists as "radicals" (and/or "fanatics") because it is actually a compliment.
"Radical" is a word that stems from the Greek language, meaning: to get to the bottom (of things), ie, the truth.
"Radical" unfortunately gained a derogatory meaning by people who resented anyone who went against the norm of society's stagnant, out-moded beliefs, even though those beliefs were proven to be wrong or filled with hate.
Examples of people perceived to be "radicals" or "fanatics" were Jesus Christ, Martin Luther King, Jr., Mahatma Ghandi - just to mention very, very few. Yet, they are exceptionally famous and admired for turning the tide of stagnant society thinking with truths for compassion and justice.
So, as an a/r's activist who helps to change society's limited thinking about animal atrocities, I humbly accept the compliment of being referred to as a "radical" - especially as one who promotes kindness, dignity, and respect for animals and having a the special gift of compassion, like my fellow activists.
Although our goals are not to be historically famous, a/r's activists certainly are aligned with good company.

Posted by: Ariel | October 2, 2007 08:22 PM

Ariel, like you I never get insulted when people call us "radical" - to me it shows that we are having an impact on people. From "Earthlings", I think it said that the 3 steps to the truth are Ridicule, Violent Opposition, and Acceptance (I apologize if I haven't got that quite right). So, if someone is trying to ridicule us, I guess they are taking that first step toward understanding the truth!

While the word "fanatic" can mean "overzealous", it also means "an ardent and enthusiastic supporter of some person or activity" - where do people think the word "fan" comes from, as in a sports "fan"? Again, not an insult to me!

And to the moron above who says that anything that cannot understand the concept of rights is not entitled to any - hmmmm, so I guess children do not have rights, nor do the disabled. By your definition, a lot of people would not have rights, because there are many adults who, although perhaps not disabled, do not have a level of intelligence to understand such an abstract concept. You probably are a child abuser and wife batterer. Go away.

The Craigslist people should be ashamed of themselves. They should definitely not be allowing these "free to a good home" ads, as they know darn well by their own warning that there are very unscrupulous people out there who harm animals in horrific ways - they need to do the responsible thing.

Posted by: Michele | October 2, 2007 10:38 PM

I agree that there should always be an adoption fee, but what about the case in NC where PETA members picked up multiple (adoptable) animals from a shelter, only to euthenize them and throw them in a dumpster? May not have been mutilation, but it WAS murder. This has happened on several occasions. Pracitce what you preach, hypocrites!

Posted by: none | October 3, 2007 02:34 AM

That just makes me sad. I couldn't even bare to read the article the whole way because it made me sick to my stomach. How can people do this? Poor kitties. It makes me more depressed because of the pictures of sweet Taylor. That is so depressing.... And yes, what is even more depressing that f***ing vivisectionists pick up these poor kitties from "free to a good home" places. It breaks my heart.

Posted by: kitty | October 3, 2007 04:09 AM

Right on Ariel & Michele! Thanks for saying what I was JUST thinking!
Besides...if the posters who try so hard to convince us how wrong we are...then (a)what are they doing here, and (b) they ARE getting exposure to our messages...yay!

Posted by: Katrina | October 3, 2007 04:39 AM

Hi, Michele! : )
Thank you for elaborating on the word "fanatic" - and for mentioning the 3 steps of Ridicule, Violent Oppression, and Acceptance.
The anti's are so self-centered, that they can't comprehend self-lessness. What I mean is, they can't get it through their heads that calling us derogartory or supposed derogatory names, does not affect us in the least - because our beliefs are not about us or our egos. As we know, our beliefs are self-lessly for helping the animals, who suffer so much. So there is absolutely no way name-calling can over-ride the innocent animals' physical and emotional suffering. (ok, I'm singing to the choir) : )
Anyway, as a counselor/animal activist friend of mine told me years ago when I first got into a/r's, I asked her why people were so nasty towards us at the circus protest. She told me: "because we are hitting a nerve with them." So that told me that we affect their conscience, and they don't like it - so yes, that's why they ridicule us because they don't like to hear the truth...the first step.

Hi, Katrina! : )
As you can relate to my comments to Michele (a fantastic a/r's activist), some anti's come here to try to ease their conscience, to rebel the truth - as we know, uselessly of course.

Posted by: Ariel | October 3, 2007 01:31 PM

that sounds like the making of a serial killer. i wish that the punishment for animal cruelty was way more severe. i wont say the things that i would like to do to that freak.

Posted by: judith | October 3, 2007 02:27 PM

that sounds like the making of a serial killer. i wish that the punishment for animal cruelty was way more severe. i wont say the things that i would like to do to that freak.

Posted by: judith | October 3, 2007 02:28 PM

Thank you Ariel and Michele for your intelligent and compassionate remarks. Like you, Ariel, I think ignoring the hate-filled animal/killers/haters is an excellent idea. They make too much noise and have nothing to say. Peace to both of you!!!!

Posted by: Ana | October 3, 2007 04:14 PM

Sean, get out there and VOLUNTEER and learn and find out what is going on.

If more people weren't so darn lazy and they actually helped, the situation would get a lot better

Posted by: kelly | October 3, 2007 07:34 PM

Why all the negative comments about animal shelters? As if going to a shelter is a death sentence. I work at an animal shelter and we are not the enemy. We are doing the best we can to clean up other people's messes. Yes, sadly some animals do get euthanized but the alternative would be to not have an open door policy and to have to turn some animals away. And then they wind up in "free to good home" ads and in the hands of disgusting monsters like the one who committed this awful crime. The answer is education about pet ownership and responsibility. People need to understand that companion animals are not disposable and are a life time commitment. There will always be sick people in the world who will find a way to do unspeakable things. All we can do is reach out to the good ones and try to make them see that ignorance and irresponsibility can be just as cruel as this kid's murderous act.

Posted by: Carli | October 3, 2007 10:55 PM

Michele Ariel and Ana, I also agree with you three! Screw them, they will most likely end up serial killers and child molestors. If they aren't already..

Posted by: Whitney | October 3, 2007 11:19 PM

I can't understand you people who keep posting comments saying its not craigslist fault, it the fault of the people doing it.
My boyfriend owns his own successful community website and if he ever found out that anything to do with animal cruelty was posted on there he would wipe it completely. Craigslist is proving they are ignorant and none-compassionate people. And as for those disgusting serial animal beaters out there, I am a very compassionate vegan and does nothing but help other beings but if you EVER crossed my path I would not hesitate to have your blood on my hands

Posted by: Siobhan | October 4, 2007 09:18 AM

I think PETA is wasting its time with going after Craigslist for this. It is terrible what happened to these cats, but I think it is no harder to abuse stray animals and animals you can get from the SPCA. I adopted from the SPCA twice, and I never had to submit any references, or had anyone check on my home.

That being said, if there is solid reason to think it happens more on Craigslist than from other ways of getting animals, maybe we should work to stop them. Otherwise, I wish PETA would stop doing things like this that just make the non-veg community think, 'Wow, PETA is really overzealous and crazy. They don't make sense.' Another example is using celebrities in ads who selectively advocate animal rights (read: Dita von Teese wearing furs, etc.). To me (a vegan), I can't take her ad seriously. I doubt many can.

Posted by: Melissa | October 4, 2007 10:15 AM

loved the reference to the 3 stages of truth...sometimes it feels like we're closer to step 2 (violent opposition) which only means we're closer to step 3 which is acceptance...

Posted by: Russell | October 5, 2007 06:26 AM

Russell, if you have not already done so, check out the movie "Earthlings", which is where I got the reference to the 3 stages of truth. It is the most powerful movie I have ever seen, and after I watched it I decided that from now on, if anyone asks me what I want for my birthday or Christmas, I will say that I want them to rent and watch that movie.

The people who think PETA supporters are "extremists" will likely never have the courage to watch this movie (because it is just too threatening for them - they would be forced to admit that animals really are going through an ongoing holocaust), but hopefully the people who are exploring the world of animal rights will be interested. I would recommend having a box of Kleenex nearby...

Posted by: Michele | October 5, 2007 03:54 PM

It seems we have raised a generation of abusers not only to humans but to animals. These people should not be above the law and should be punished to the full extent. Animals only want to be loved and to be treated like this is more than I can handle.
These ads that say animals to anyone should be stricken as I would never give a pet or animal of any kind to someone I did not know.
I have 3 cats and they are trouble sometimes but they are like your kids, you take them to raise and love them no matter what.

Posted by: deborah | October 11, 2007 11:05 AM

If it wasnt for free to a good home ads I wouldnt have my beloved pet cats. Shelters wont let you have an animal without a home visit and as I still live at home and my dad wont have strangers in the house I wouldnt have had eight years (so far) of wonderful kitty company. How are regular people who's cat has kittens (not always the fault of an irresponsible owner: I know a few people who have adopted or rescued cats who later turned out to be pregnant) supposed to vet prospective owners? All they can do is ask questions and use their instincts.Rather than banning the ads maybe post advice for those people who are posting the ads on the best way to do this

Posted by: Nic | October 11, 2007 11:18 AM

Craigslist is not the problem. I tried calling a shelter and they never called me back. I live in NY where I hear they euthanize 500 cats a day. I found a nice home for my two kittens who I helped the mother give birth to, and I used CL.

Common sense when giving animals away. A girl came over, I interviewed her on the phone. I had her show me her ID. What's the difference if she payed me or not? I had a guy call and he sounded suspicious, so I rejected him.

Posted by: Alan | October 11, 2007 11:21 AM

While I agree that people posting their pets on craigslist is uncaring (pets should be for life!) the fact is that many people just don't care about the animals in their care. If the animal is going to be with someone who couldn't give a rats ass about them maybe they are better off with someone else? And the people who ABUSE hte animals are the problem, not the website. For everyone who has a pets should care for them and love them and treat them well. And if for some reason a loving owner has to find a new home for their pet, it is THEIR responsibility to make sure it is a GOOD home. Get to know the people who will be taking your pet. Also not allowing Craigslist or other sites to post adds for animals needing new homes, I think we'd have a lot more homeless cases on our hands.. Animals on the street with no food or water and dangers of being hit with a car...

Posted by: Mandy | October 11, 2007 11:46 AM

SIHOBAN I COMPLETELY AGREE!!!
I am a vegan, and proud of it, but I hate associating my self with PETA when they come up with such over-zealous articles.

In terms of Craig's list,
Dont shoot the messenger man. Craig's list offers too many good things to be hailed in the article as promoters of animal cruelty. It is not Craig's list that needs to be subjected to Peta's contoversial antics, but it the uneducated people that buy the cats and then abuse them.
Craig;s list is just there as a mean for people to buy what they need. If you think of targeting Craig's list, why stop there? WHAT ABOUT EBAY??? . In fact PETA should just go after the entire internet and have it shut down. That would show them

Posted by: Daina Zweig | October 11, 2007 12:03 PM

How dare you refer to the abuse of these animals as a holocaust. A holocaust is a mass genocide of a people for ethnic cleansing. That terms is not to be used lightly. It makes me sick that you can apply that term to animals as well.

Posted by: daina Zweig | October 11, 2007 12:04 PM

Those poor little kitties. This world is so messed up. I don't see how someone would assume that mutilating and killing anyone or anything is okay. People really need to start going to jail for much longer than just 120 days or whatever. That guy will probably become a serial killer; he should be in jail for life. He obviously has no regard for life. I have no idea how someone could actually do the horrible things he did. What a piece of crap.

Posted by: Holly | October 11, 2007 12:13 PM

hey,

i adopted my adorble little chi from craigslist! The person asked for money though and asked for information on me and i simply explained i was an animal rights activist looking for a puppy companion for life! She also made me come over to her house and see how i acted with the puppy and i stayed for a while! She made sure she knew me and my number!

so don't let all the bad apples spoil it for the ones who truely do care about the pet.

i see some of the free to a good home and most of those are cats. Most people regard cats as nothing. It's really mean these people need to make sure they are going to a loving home.

its so horrible when they threaten to take the animals to a shelter!

Posted by: heather | October 11, 2007 01:05 PM

What a terrible story! I do agree that these ads should be banned all over the country. No, it is not craigslist.com's fault, but we do have to start somewhere.

Posted by: Augusta Ackerman | October 11, 2007 01:14 PM

What a terrible story! I do agree that these ads should be banned all over the country. No, it is not craigslist.com's fault, but we do have to start somewhere.

Posted by: Augusta Ackerman | October 11, 2007 01:15 PM

Have a heart...humans aren't the only species on earth we just act like it. BE RESPONSIBLE, we are responsible for the animals we domesticated them.

Posted by: Tammatha Leigh | October 11, 2007 01:22 PM

I have personally adopted several "free" animals from Craigslist. I rescued these animals from less than perfect situations. I am certain that if I did not take them they would still be living in poor conditions. It is also not CL's responsibility to police the ads or the adopters. People giving away pets need to be responsible and take the time to do a home visit and check references before the pet goes out the door.

Posted by: Florence | October 11, 2007 01:37 PM

Craigslist does a great job in trying to moderate pets for sale etc. This is a case of people taking responsibilty for thier own actions. NEVER give an animal away for free, even if you just put up a tiny adoption request...to make sure people can properly take care of these animals. ANd it should be the owners responsibilty to figure out if there is a good fit with the adoptive parents. However, I think if the owner isn't responsible enough to have thier pet fixed then they are unlikely to be smart enough to screen perspective owners. There are sick people in this world...we all need to look out for one another human and animal...don't blame it on a website.
Everyone Take responsibilty for your own actions people...thats whats wrong with the world these days.

Posted by: diane | October 11, 2007 02:17 PM

the guy that did that deserves to die a slow painful death. it's as simple as that. i'd be happy to perform it.

Posted by: josh | October 11, 2007 02:24 PM

I can't even fathom the thought of someone torturing an animal let alone three of them. It is inconceivable to me that the justice system doesn't issue hard time for these crimminals. It is a known fact that someone who tortures animals at a young age will go on to become a serial killer at some point in their lives if they don't seek professional intervention. My heart goes out to all tortured animals as they don't have a voice so we have to speak for them and try to get the message across to these ignorant humans to wake up to the fact that animals have feelings...they hurt and bleed just like us. PETA keep up the wonderful work you do. GO Vegetarians!!

Posted by: Vanessa | October 11, 2007 02:25 PM

Well all of these cases are sad. People in this world have no heart. To hurt an inocent animal is so disturbing to me. I don't care who you are or if its your job I would be finding another job. If I could I would take all these sweat and loving animals home with me and keep all of them from these m.....f...ers. Sorry! I have just seen all I can on these videos and clips and ball my eyes out every time I see them and then hear on the news that a football player with alot of money would rather hurt and animal then spend that money on saving then a..h..e. Give me 2 minutes with him, just two and a big guy and lets show him how it feels! Ok ok I am going to stop bc I am working myself up. Thanks for reading, Sam

Posted by: Samanntha | October 11, 2007 02:32 PM

Please stop this practice and be a friend to our warm blooded friends. We must protect the weaker species that do not ask to be born. Do what you can to help it is FREE!!!!!

Posted by: Elizabeth | October 11, 2007 02:42 PM

Please stop this practice and be a friend to our warm blooded friends. We must protect the weaker species that do not ask to be born. Do what you can to help it is FREE!!!!!

Posted by: Elizabeth | October 11, 2007 02:42 PM

i hate craiglist, but after hearing this, it makes me hate it even more.

Posted by: Anonymous | October 11, 2007 02:57 PM

OKAY HERE IT IS ........THIS IS WRONG .......ON ALL SIDES....i can not tell craig's list to not allow these ads.....i know of many animals that are in good homes due to the out let along with myspace to help get aimals homes .......YES THERE SHOULD BE REQUIREMENTS TO GIVE A LIVING CREATURE TO ANOTHER ......THIS IS SIMPLE THE AD SAID TO A GOOD HOME .....THIS MEANS A GOOD HOME NOT A LAB OR A MINOR OR THE LADY UP THE STREET WITH 20 CATS ALREADY ...ONE THING WE SHOULD BE DIRECTING PEOPLE THAT HAVE ANIMALS IN NEED WHO WISH TO POST THESE THINGS IS THE PROPER PROTOCOL IN FINDING A GOOD HOME
1. NO ONE UNDER 18 THEM THE BREAKS YOU CANT VOTE .SO YOU SHOULD NEED TO BE AN ADULT TO GET A PET
2. THE PERSON SHOULD HAVE A LEASE OR OWN THEIR HOME
ASK TO SEE THIS
3. VISIT THE HOME THAT THE PET IS TO BE LIVING IN .
4. WRITE UP A CONTRACT THAT THE PERSON WILL PROVIDE RESPONSIBLE CARE FOR THE ANIMAL..WILL NOT USES THE ANIMAL FOR EXPERIMENTATION OR FIGHTING ..AND THAT THE ANIMAL WILL NOT BE SOLD OR EXCHANGED FOR ANY REASON .
5. MAKE PLANS FOR A FOLLOW UP VISITS AT LEAST TWO TIMES IF FOR ANY REASON THE PERSON ISNT AVAILABLE FOR THESE VISITS STATE IN THE CONTRACT THAT THIS IS BREACH OF THE AGREEMENT AND THAT YOU WILL THEN PHONE THE POLICE TO STATE THE ANIMAL WAS STOLED YOU OWN THE ANIMAL UNTIL THE CONTRACT VISITATION AGREEMENT IS MET
STATE THIS IN THE CONTRACT AND HAVE IT NOTARIZED {ITS 5 DOLLARS}
PEOPLE THAT CARE FOR ANIMALS WILL DO THIS UNDERSTANDING WHAT IS GOING ON WITH CRUELTY ..IF THEY DO NOT THEN THEY ARE NOT THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE ANIMAL ..
PEOPLE WHO DO NOT TAKE THESE ACTIONS TO PROTECT ANIMALS IN THEIR CARE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANIMAL ENDANGERMENT WHICH IS A CRIME

Posted by: elgin lee baker | October 11, 2007 05:31 PM

While I may be in the minority, I believe that humane euthanasia is far better than a life of neglect, torture , abandonment.......

Posted by: freshmellow | October 11, 2007 05:32 PM

I find these cases tremendously disturbing, however I feel I must mention that there is a responsible way to use the internet to find homes for forgotten animals. I recently came across two stray kittens and after contacting the humane society and later the local animal control (who are contracted to bring the animals into the humane society for adoption) and having no success, I turned to facebook to find them a good home. They are now safe and sound with a fellow student who went to great lengths and expense to create a healthy, happy home for them.
Obviously, you need take the time to discuss the responsibilities of adopting a companion animal and keep in some contact with the individual afterwards, but I wouldn't want these horror stories to deter people from finding LEGITMATELY good homes for strays. In many cities the absence of reliable alternatives such as No-Kill shelters makes this one of the few options available to concerned animal lovers.
Thanks.

Posted by: Amy Roze | October 11, 2007 06:04 PM

I believe that Craig's List can be put to good use to find a home for pets, but it is up to the owners to screen the new owners. I do not think that Craig's List should be held responsible. These animals could end up abandoned on a street corner or in a kill shelter.

Posted by: Elizabeth Tully | October 11, 2007 07:43 PM

Could PETA create a database of known/convicted animal offenders so that we could at least identify people who have committed these crimes?

I know it won't solve all of the problems (believe me, I hate the "free to a good home" ads, too). However, I want there to be an easy way to stigmatize those who have done such horrible acts.

Posted by: Anna | October 11, 2007 09:25 PM

Personally, as someone who generally agrees with PETAs stance, I'm going to have to disagree here. I have taken in animals on several occasions through such ads - and everyone of them are unharmed and living healthy. The problem isn't the ads, its people and we need to put an end to animal cruelty, not the finding of good homes for animals. Its time we hold people responsible for their actions, not a website dedicated to communication.

Posted by: Dante | October 11, 2007 09:34 PM

My husband and I rescued a dog from craigslist. The couple who gave her to us were getting a divorce and had 2 dogs they couldn't handle in addition to their 2 kids. If we hadn't adopted our pup I know she would have been dropped off at the pound without a second thought. The owner asked me for 3 personal references and she called them all and talked to my vet before she decided to give us her dog. Craigslist is not the problem...Irresponsible pet owners are. If craigslist wasn't used the classifieds in a local paper or online would be used. Almost every site that lets you post classified ads has a section for animals.

Posted by: Rebecca McKinney | October 12, 2007 01:17 AM

I answered a "free to good home" ad and now have a sweet little dog that I love so much and treat wonderfully. I don't think it's craigslist's fault. If an owner cares about the animal, they'll do some checking. If not, they could just leave them on the street anyway.

Posted by: Jen | October 12, 2007 11:39 AM

How awful. Seeing Taylor's picture makes it all too real. I got a kitten off of craigslist and love her to death. She has to be the most spolied kitten ever! She would have been given to a shelter if I hadn't taken her home. I hope that incidents such as Taylor's are the exception and not the rule. My heart to those cats.

Posted by: Lyndsay | October 12, 2007 12:26 PM

Holy god! This is sick and twisted beyond my capacity to reason. I think that there is more than craigslist at fault here, though they are in desperate need of a policy change on this topic. People need to realize that an animal is a lifetime commitment, even after they grow out of that cute an fuzzy stage. If you lose your job or need to move somewhere that "doesn't allow pets", get a new job, move somewhere else. You wouldn't give up a child that easily.

Posted by: Katherine | October 12, 2007 12:40 PM

not all people are going to take a free cat and pawn it off or kill it themselfs, i got a kitten from craigslist and i have you know he's in very good hands, hes spoiled rotten, he gets all the attion he wants. some people cant afford to go to the pet store or humane society so they look online, im not saying all people are good but if the cat wasnt free for me i wouldnt have been able to get him.

Posted by: meog | October 12, 2007 01:18 PM

not all people are going to take a free cat and pawn it off or kill it themselfs, i got a kitten from craigslist and i have you know he's in very good hands, hes spoiled rotten, he gets all the attion he wants. some people cant afford to go to the pet store or humane society so they look online, im not saying all people are good but if the cat wasnt free for me i wouldnt have been able to get him.

Posted by: meog | October 12, 2007 01:18 PM

We adopted our most recent dog from Craig's list. The woman who was fostering him has used it as a resource to home several animals. She did a home visit and approved us, and now we have the sweetest little addition to our family.
Craiglist shouldnt necessarily take the heat for mistreatment, as for it is doing good for some animals that may not otherwise find a home. If it weren't for that website, we wouldnt have given that little boy a much better home. Who knows where he would be. It is nice to know that if someone is rehoming their animal (we cant stop that from happening) that they have an option other than dumping them at a kill shelter.

Posted by: H.L. | October 12, 2007 03:50 PM

I've responded to people giving away animals on CL, and my posts were removed. The ad remained, although I think I persuaded one person to take the pet to a shelter at least. FREE TO GOOD HOME is a BAD IDEA. Most people will not bother to make sure the pet is getting a good home. And the ones that do can easily be fooled by cons.
Just what exactly do you think an animal abuser looks like, I'd like to know.
CL needs to enforce the NO FREE PETS rule.

Posted by: Pamela | October 12, 2007 05:03 PM

Well admittedly, I got about halfway through all these posts when I realized they were beginning to repeat and just started to skim. Better yet were the people who didn't really read the O.P. they were arguing about to realize they were in agreement. That being said, I guess it's ironic I am posting.

1) Craigslist DOES have rules governing advertisements and posts about animals and they DO police them. I have seen multiple questionable ads removed by the administrators.

2) Craigslist also works on a community basis, so there is a self-policing option. Users can quickly flag, and remove, posts they find to be questionable. In cases of clear problems a post can be forwarded to Craigslist's Abuse department where it is usually removed in a matter of minutes. Basically, if people here had THAT much of an issue with how messages are conducted on such an open forum, then they can only hold themselves responsible when such an easy means of removing what might be considered "morally and ethically wrong" exists.

3) Can you really 100% blame an open public forum for the abuses of it's users that happen out of context, and even physically outside of the limits of it's jurisdiction? Where where the parents at? Where were the neighbors and the local authorities? What did the people giving the animals away do to check out the people who were adopting these animals?

4) Is Craigslist really that much worse ,as everyone here seems to say, than the currently acceptable method of putting an ad in a local paper, or through some other posting method, or just dumping them on whoever will take them?

5) Having had experience in trying to find welcoming appropriate homes for unwanted and abused animals I can say this. My roommate regularly rescues animals under a variety of circumstances, the most noticable being ones that are brought to them at both the pet supply store and animal care center that they work at. As a general rule ALL of the shelters within a 100 mile range do not have room for new animals. Other more traditional methods of finding homes for these animals have also failed. However, they have been able to place ALL of the animals via Craigslist ads or discussion groups. In some cases volunteers at other shelters and rescue agencies have found responded to their posting because they also REGULARLY browse these postings looking for possible abuse or animals to help out. My roommate has also been able to follow up with almost all of them through either personal contact or email. In the end, shelters and local organization contacts have a 100% failure rate, while Craigslist has had a 100% success rate in my area finding loving homes for rescued animals. Which is the better outcome? You can feel free to decide for yourself.

Posted by: JoJo B.A.R. | October 12, 2007 10:41 PM

What right do people think they have to do these sick things..!!
And Seeing such a beautiful cat, why would people do these things..!!???

Posted by: Eva | October 13, 2007 10:35 AM

This is ridiculous. This is just another example of the desensitization of humanity as a whole through a media blitz. It's the obligation of the compassionate minded to keep people informed that their actions are not just a video game or a movie. Shouting at people isn't always the way, but these people are around us, even if they are not the ones we associate with daily. It's so important to continue to advocate on behalf of these precious ones that cannot. This is a truly disgusting story, but just one report of someone who actually got caught, unfortunately.

H

Posted by: Heaether | October 13, 2007 02:07 PM

There are things that can be done. You do not have to be a card carrying PETA member to email folks when you see these Craigslist postings to email the person posting a "free to a good home" animal ad. You can take it upon yourselves to inform these people that there are NO-KILL animal shelters out there that will ensure that their pet finds a good home. You could forward an article, such as this, as well if you have the time. It is so important to educate.

Posted by: Heaether | October 13, 2007 02:23 PM

This is deeply disturbing! Until now, Craigs List has been a major shopping/selling recource for me and my family. I will not use Craigs List or premote it until those ads are banned! There is no reason for Craigs List not to remove the ads, and plenty of good reasons for it to remove the ads! This is just not ok!

Posted by: Julianne | October 13, 2007 05:49 PM

I am a regular Craigslist visitor, and I really do not have any complaints against the company. I have two cats myself who I love and adore more than anything, and I feel the pain of the loss of these three cats. While it is horrific that some people have no consciousness and no love for animals, it is not the responsibility of Craigslist to make sure that every single sale goes well. Does that mean everyone who sells a car must ensure that the person whom they are selling to will not get into an accident? The list of questions can only get more and more ridiculous. Many people who advertise on Craigslist do want these animals to go to good homes, so they advertise "free pet" in order to get more people to look at their ads. Craigslist cannot be responsible for the actions of advertisers or of those who obtain these animals. It is a ridiculous request to make when you think of all the good that does occur. It just isn't a practical solution. Just because some people are sick, it doesn't mean we all are.

Posted by: PaHoua | October 14, 2007 01:27 AM

I am appauled at this whole situation! First of all, I am a pet owner who at one time posted a "wanted ad" on a site. The first response I got was an email telling me that animals are not free. They require vaccincations, food, exercise, socialization, etc. Well needless to say I sort of took offense at first to the email. The lady who sent it to me is now "mom" to me. My point is this..It does not matter neccesarily where these ads are posted, Wether online or a newspaper. The fact of the matter is that people just do not care and are not willing to take responsibility and speak up for these animals! Animals are like people. They don't like being left behind, pushed to this home and that home. Would you treat your child this way??? These animals..all breeds and all kinds need our help and until all of this fighting and nonsense continues nothing will change. Maybe some of you should think about helping these animals instead of arguing about it. Just yesterday I did the walk a thon to raise money for the humane society..what have you done lately? did you rescue the stray you saw? did you turn in your neighbor for maltreatment of their numerous pets?? This change begins with you. My dog is my child and I would never even think of what is going on happening to my dog or anyone elses. CraigsLIst and all of the others out their need to deny these types of adds. the rest of us need to speak up for the animals of the world. Are you willing to do your part? or do you just want to complain?? Thanks Jaxx

Posted by: JazzyJaxx | October 14, 2007 09:07 PM

I got my puppy from Craigslist. But some owners who put up the bulletins actually go for home visits to try to make the "free to a good home" true for the pets. If I didn't see the bulletin for my dog I probably never would have met him, and someone could have done the torturous things to him.

I love the idea of no-kill shelters but some animals don't get adopted and sit there for years alone. My puppy is a pit bull and the shelters never would have let him stay around where I live. No one wanted any of the pups in his litter due to breed and rep, even if he's the sweetest thing I've ever met no one trust him.

Posted by: Kittie | October 15, 2007 09:04 PM

Gad! What a lengthy comment thread.

Craigslist is a uniquely inappropriate forum for placing pets in new homes.

The Craigslist advertiser is not even required to use its real email address or contact information, but merely a Craigslist e-mailbox that expires in a week or so.

Every variety of excuse is made to avoid an adoption fee requirement -- each of which amount to simple laziness.

Adoption fees are so routine, and have been used for so many decades, that it is simply whiny and argumentative to complain about them. Even college kids and young people know that they must require a payment from a prospective pet adopter, let alone supposedly responsible adults.

The fact that some shelters use Craigslist ads is but a flimsy straw man of flawed logic. Replying to such an ad places an adopter in direct contact with the shelter, where stringent interviews, residency and visitation requirements are required, and where photo IDs and adoption fees are absolutely mandatory.

Moreover, there are other online forums, frequented by legitimate rescue and charitable organizations, more orderly and more appropriate than Craigslist.

Placing an adoptable animal in an open admission animal shelter is not an automatic death sentence, and is a suitable alternative to placing it on Craigslist.

Moreover, many shelters require that each pet be spayed or neutered prior to release. This is the opposite of unregulated transactions.

Many open admission shelters have vigorous adoption and foster programs, and various percentages of the cats and dogs are placed in responsible new homes.

In the extremely unfortunate events of numerous animals being euthanized by the shelter, even that is preferable to a life of uncertainty, or the potential for vicious cruelty or abandonment.

Finally, the sheer vastness of Craigslist amplifies the grave effects of its transactions. Among millions upon millions of ads, numerous instances of cruelty, sale to laboratories and abandonment are not a theory--they are a certainty.

Posted by: Dave in Maryland | October 16, 2007 02:50 PM

Listen, I am all for animal rights and what happened to the innocent animals is not the fault of Craigslist.Com. It is the responsibility of the original owners giving their "pets" away for free. My cat is my daughter, we would live on the street before I would move into somewhere and have to give her away... But it is the responsibility of the man who just gave away these poor kittens. And the responsibility of the obvious psycho who murdered them. As for holding craigslist to blame for the morons and crazy people out there is ridiculous.

Posted by: Jessica | October 16, 2007 08:25 PM

in all theses animal cruelty cases i think that we should not be worried about sending theses monsters to jail thats too good for them - rather their punishment should be no less and no more than what they did to the animal

Posted by: Allison Dillon | October 20, 2007 11:53 AM

It would help if the poeple (flaggers) that think they need to police CL didn't flag off every add that asked for a rehoming fee but didn't have the pet fixed or shots. They also take down any ad that doesn't state the fee but the owners want to talk to you before discussing it. These gang flaggers expect that pet to then be free and won't leave the ad up. To them you must be a breeder and hiding something if you want someone to pay a fee for your pet.

Posted by: Steffanie Cruz-Reyes | January 29, 2008 09:42 AM

How interesting. The above poster complaints that she is unable to sell puppies on Craigslist, because her ads get flagged. She claims "gang flaggers" are falsely assuming she is a breeder.

But put her (unusual) name into google, and it comes up as a Chihuahua and designer dog breeder, which sells puppies on the internet for $700.

Mistaken identity or dishonest hypocracy? Given the unusual first name, I suspect the latter.

Goes to show that the real problem on Craigslist is not so much ads for free pets, but rather dog breeders and other scum breeding tiny puppies for the internet trade, while older puppies and dogs languish at animal shelters nationwide.

Posted by: Anon Amos | June 18, 2008 01:13 PM