The Critter Haven,
Inc. view on the
Use of Live Animals in Fundraisers
Critter Haven, Inc opposes the auctioning off, selling, or donation of
live animals for use in charity fundraisers, lotteries, promotional
distributions, or other events. This includes fundraisers of any type where
auctioning off live animals is involved.
Bringing a pet into the home is a commitment that should last the pet's
life-time. Companion animal and human relationships are more successful when
they are considered carefully, and embarked upon with an understanding of the
commitment (emotional, physical, and financial) of responsibility required.
These are things not necessarily considered by someone at a fundraiser when in
the process of "bidding".
Auctions, raffles, and similar events using live animals encourage impulse
acquisition of a pet. There is no way for the potential pet owner to interact in
any meaningful way with the pet prior to taking him home, and there is no way to
screen those potential pet owners to ensure that the pet has a suitable home to
live in. Although the bidders may be financially solvent, animal shelters
receive dogs and cats every day from people who spent hundreds of dollars
purchasing a pet but didn’t spend the appropriate amount of time or energy
considering what it requires to be a responsible pet owner or guardian.
Every year, millions of wonderful, healthy animals in shelters wait for people
to give them a home, many already spayed or neutered and with current
vaccinations. Shelters sometimes will (should) screen animals for adoption so
that the pet and person will be the best match. Adoptions through rescue
groups is also recommended as most rescue groups will screen potential pet homes
before placing a pet in that particular home. Critter Haven Inc is happy to
endorse either of the above two methods of adoption of companion pets, but will
never, ever endorse the auctioning or raffling off of a live animal as a means
of acquiring a pet.