Social media has become an integral part of our everyday lives. In addition to numerous advantages, they are also a breeding ground for criminal activity. The illegal puppy trade on Facebook is a growing problem. In this article, which we have warned about several times , we look at the phenomenon, highlight the role of Facebook groups and sponsored advertisements and show the dangers that both pose to the animals as well as for the buyers.

Illegal puppy trade on Facebook: groups and sponsored ads

The business with illegally traded puppies takes place on various levels on Facebook. On the one hand, the animals are offered in specially created groups. Here, interested parties can contact the providers directly and make sales arrangements. On the other hand, retailers use the possibilities of sponsored advertisements to make their “goods” accessible to a broad audience.

The methods of illegal puppy traders

Illegal puppy traders use two different strategies to maximize their profits:

  1. Substandard breeding conditions: In many cases, the puppies are bred and sold in deplorable conditions. The animals are kept in cramped conditions and receive inadequate food and medical care. In addition, they are often separated from their mothers too early, which can lead to both health and behavioral problems.
  2. Fraud through advance payment: In other cases, the offers are targeted fraud. Potential buyers are asked to make advance payments, for example through deposits or payment of transport costs. After the money is transferred, the alleged sellers disappear, leaving the buyer without a dog and without money.

The dangers of the illegal puppy trade

The illegal puppy trade on Facebook poses significant risks for both the animals and the buyers:

  1. Health risks: The animals suffer from poor breeding conditions and are often susceptible to illness. In addition, in many cases they are not sufficiently vaccinated or dewormed, which poses a health risk for the animals and their new owners.
  2. Behavioral problems: Due to the lack of socialization and early separation from their mothers, puppies often develop behavioral problems. This can lead to problems with training and living with other animals.
  3. Financial Damage: Buyers who fall for fraudulent offers not only lose their money, but also their trust in online transactions and the ability to provide a loving home to an animal.

Measures against the illegal puppy trade

In order to combat the illegal puppy trade on Facebook, both the platform itself and the users are required. Here are some approaches to curb the problem:

  1. Increased control by Facebook : Improved monitoring of the platform, especially groups and sponsored ads, is essential. Through the use of algorithms and consistent enforcement of usage policies, Facebook can help identify and remove such content.
  2. Raising user awareness: Users must be aware of the problem and act with appropriate caution. Suspicious offers should be reported to the platform and not supported. It is also advisable to always contact reputable breeders or animal shelters directly when purchasing an animal.
  3. Cooperation with authorities: Cooperation between Facebook and the relevant authorities should be intensified in order to combat criminal activities more effectively and hold perpetrators accountable.

Conclusion: The illegal puppy trade on Facebook is a major problem that causes great harm to both the animals and the buyers. In order to curb this trade, both the platform and the users must take action and work together against this form of animal cruelty and fraud. Raising awareness and cooperation are the key to providing animals with a species-appropriate life and potential buyers with a safe and trusting environment.

In Germany

  1. Animal shelters and animal welfare organizations: Local animal shelters and animal welfare organizations can be contacted if there are suspected cases. They can provide information about reputable breeders and placement agencies and, if necessary, take further steps. You can find a directory of animal shelters in Germany here: https://www.tierheimnetzwerk.de/
  2. Veterinary office: The responsible veterinary office is an important point of contact if illegal puppy trade is suspected. They are responsible for monitoring and controlling breeders and traders and can take legal action. Contact details for the responsible veterinary office can be found on the websites of the respective city or district administration.
  3. TASSO eV: TASSO eV is an organization that advocates for the protection of animals and helps with the registration of pets. They also offer information on the subject of illegal puppy trade and can provide support in suspected cases. Website: https://www.tasso.net/
  4. German Animal Welfare Association: The German Animal Welfare Association is one of the largest animal protection organizations in Germany. They offer information, advice and support in the event of illegal puppy trade. Website: https://www.tierschutzbund.de/
  5. FOUR PAWS: FOUR PAWS is an international animal protection organization that is also active in German-speaking countries. They campaign against the illegal puppy trade and offer information and assistance. Website: https://www.vier-pfoten.de/
  6. Veterinary Association: The respective state veterinary associations are also important contacts in the event of illegal puppy trade. You can be contacted in the event of suspected cases and, if necessary, take further steps. You can find an overview of the veterinary associations in Germany here: https://www.bundestieraerztekammer.de/

In Austria

  1. Animal shelters and animal welfare organizations: Local animal shelters and animal welfare organizations can be contacted if there are suspected cases. They can provide information about reputable breeders and placement agencies and, if necessary, take further steps. You can find a list of animal shelters in Austria here: https://www.tieranzeigen.at/tierheime/
  2. Veterinary offices: The responsible veterinary offices in Austria are important contact points if illegal puppy trade is suspected. They are responsible for monitoring and controlling breeders and traders and can take legal action. Contact details for the veterinary offices can be found on the websites of the respective state governments or district authorities.
  3. FOUR PAWS Austria: FOUR PAWS is an international animal protection organization that is also active in Austria. They campaign against the illegal puppy trade and offer information and assistance. Website: https://www.vier-pfoten.at/
  4. Austrian Animal Welfare Association: The Austrian Animal Welfare Association is one of the oldest animal protection organizations in the country and offers information, advice and support in the event of illegal puppy trade. Website: https://www.tierschutzverein.at/
  5. Animal protection ombudsman offices: In some Austrian federal states there are animal protection ombudsman offices that can be contacted in suspected cases of illegal puppy trade. You can offer advice and, if necessary, take further steps. You can find an overview of the animal protection ombudsman offices in Austria here: https://www.oesterreich.gv.at/themen/leben_in_oesterreich/ombudsstellen_und_anwaltschaft/Seite.3240010.html
  6. Austrian Chamber of Veterinarians: The Austrian Chamber of Veterinarians is also an important contact in the event of illegal puppy trade. You can be contacted in the event of suspected cases and, if necessary, take further steps. Website: https://www.tieraerztekammer.at/
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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )