Community Corner

Online Petition Looks to Stop Pet Sales on Craigslist in Wake of Puppy Doe Case

By Les Masterson

More than 350,000 people have signed an online petition to ask Craigslist to stop allowing pets to be sold through the website unless by a registered shelter or rescue group. 

The petition comes in the wake of the Puppy Doe case, in which a dog was brutally beaten. The dog had been purchased on Craigslist from a Worcester couple by a man who reportedly abused the dog.

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The injuries were so severe that the dog needed to be put down.

The woman who started the petition, Joyel E. of Braintree, wrote:

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“Craigslist is often a go-to source for animal abusers looking for victims because it is anonymous and there is no accountability or screening process like regular shelters and rescue groups provide. I'm asking Craigslist to change their policies on these re-homing ads, and only allow registered shelters and rescues to post adoptable pets so it is never again a part of tragedies like what happened to Puppy Doe.”

The case of Puppy Doe made worldwide headlines after the dog was found badly beaten in Quincy. There have been vigils held for the dog and an investigation led to the arrest of Radoslaw Artur Czerkawski in Connecticut.

“I have been gutted since the moment I heard about Puppy Doe, and recalled hearing about the ‘dog serial killer’ who tortured dogs he collected off of Craigslist last year, along with other countless horror stories. Also, we must not forget the story of the notorious Boston 'Craigslist Killer' murders which led Craigslist to ban the 'erotic services' section on their site,” Joyle E. wrote.

“I believe strongly that this petition is an effective way to make a difference. I will take it as far as it can possibly go to make sure Craigslist updates its policy to not allow any re-homing of animals through its site unless done by proper shelters and rescue groups.

“To Puppy Doe: Rest in Peace sweet angel girl, and know that there are thousands of people who love you and are seeking justice.”

The petition will be send to Jim Buckmaster, Craigslist’s CEO.

Click here to sign the petition.


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