I Buy Strays dot com

When a friend sent me a link to this site (which you won't see on my site), my initial reaction was (as intended) horror, disgust, and sorrow that irresponsible readers might willingly sell their unwanted cats to this villain. The entire site appears to be a sleazy appeal to all those tendencies I personally loathe in irresponsible pet owners: the willingness to dump their cats and dogs like used furniture at the first sign of disillusionment with their "cuteness. Indeed, the crowning touch was this section:

You can enjoy their wonderful puppy / kitten stage and then reap a cash reward for having grown such a fine specimen.
Start over with a new kitten every six months!
Win, Win, and Win!

I was quickly assured that the site was a hoax, which upon closer observation seemed to the the case. Judging by the number of legitimate Google adwords ads on the site, it also undoubtedly will become increasingly profitable from clicks by horrified, angry visitors.

Political Satire?

David Emery, the acclaimed About.com Guide to Urban Legends, spent some time in email dialogue with the developer of the site in question. David's conclusion was that the site, as claimed by "IBS," as convoluted as the explanation may appear, is, indeed, intended to be satire, with the purpose of helping raise political consciousness toward the goal of passage of The Pet Safety and Protection Act, S. 714.

The Larger Issue

The real issue is that of Class B Dealers: Individuals (such as IBS claims to be), whose unscrupulous means of gathering dogs and cats to sell to laboratories for vivisection and/or research have not been adequately controlled. The Pet Safety and Protection Act of 2007 S. 714 would regulate the sources from which research facilities could secure animals. Its companion bill, HR 1280 also prohibits dealers from selling or otherwise providing a research facility with random source dogs or cats unless specified certification requirements are met.

As difficult as it is to accept that IBS might have such an altruistic motivation, it is easier to believe that the main incentive is greed. As I told my forum members recently, "He will be laughing all the way to the bank."

What You Can Do:

• With Regard to IBS: Do Nothing.
  Read Clydesight's outstanding article for more about this. It says in part: "Let the Authorities Working on This Take Appropriate Action! and Don't Give "I Buy Strays" Publicity!"

  If IBS's true motivation is as altruistic as it claims, it is already getting enough publicity. If not, don't help increase its financial gain. Do not visit the site. Do not forward the URL to mail lists. Do not post the URL to discussion boards. Do not start a petition against this site.

• Support the Pet Safety Act
  The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has contact information for urging your senators and representatives to vote for the act. You'll also find a draft of a follow-up letter on its action page.
• Spay & Neuter Your Own Cats and Dogs
  Be a responsible pet owner and do your part to stop the burgeoning animal population problem which provides easy fodder for Class B Dealers and "bunchers."
• DON'T Advertise "Free to a Good Home"
  Don't fall prey to bunchers who will gladly take your "free kittens" off your hands, then sell them to Class B Dealers, who in turn make huge profits selling to laboratories.
• Keep your Cats Indoors
  Strays, ferals, and free-running owned cats are "fair game" to bunchers, who roam the streets looking for them.
• Support Humane Groups
  Whether your personal favorite is the HSUS, the ASPCA, Best Friends Animal Society, or your locale humane society, they are working to give a voice to the animals who can't speak for themselves. Volunteer, or donate as much as your pocketbook and heart can afford.