If your school has ever auctioned an animal, or entertained the idea, you should know that the SF/SPCA, along with other animal welfare groups and the American Kennel Club (AKC) are opposed to the donation and or auctioning of animals. Additionally, the auctioning of animals is in direct violation of California Educational Code 233.5 (formerly CA Ed. Code 44806), which states, "Each teacher shall endeavor to impress upon the minds of the pupils…the meaning of equality and human dignity, including the promotion of harmonious relations, kindness towards domestic pets and the humane treatment of living creatures…"
Although individuals may be inclined to interpret "…kindness towards domestic pets and the humane treatment of living creatures..." in a variety of ways, the vast majority of animal organizations agree that auctioning animals is in direct contradiction to the values of responsible guardianship. Such values encourage individuals and families to carefully select a companion animal and to select one whose needs match the time and resources that the guardian/owners are able and willing to provide. An auction or raffle does not provide adequate time for this type of planning, nor does an auction allow for other aspects of preparation. Shelters, responsible breeders, rescue groups and other humane organizations generally council potential animal guardians to carefully consider a number of factors before bringing any animal into their home.
Considerations include selecting an animal that suits the guardian's lifestyle, discussing the addition of a pet with all family members, choosing a veterinarian, planning time for training, exercise and daily care, and most importantly researching the needs of the animal and shopping for supplies BEFORE adopting any new pet. The reverse, acquiring a pet on impulse, without careful evaluation of the animal's needs, generally results in a lack of proper care and shuffling of the animal from home to home, and possibly surrendering the animal to a shelter.
Traditionally, puppies have been a favorite at auction. While it is equally NOT appropriate to auction puppies, based on the aforementioned reasons, there are more compelling reasons specific to puppies. Of priority is the new AKC policy that suspends registry privileges to any breeder who donates a dog or puppy to a raffle or auction. Furthermore, AKC policy states that dogs may only be registered to individuals. Therefore, any dog being auctioned becomes the property of the organization hosting the auction. Even if for just a short while, this transfer of "ownership" to an organization is against AKC policy. The result is that the AKC registration papers must be marked VOID and returned to the AKC.
While this policy clearly defines one reason for not purchasing a pup at an auction it also paves the way for another problem; reputable breeders won't give up their pups for auctions, it puts them at risk for having their AKC registration suspended and it removes their ability to carefully screen and interview the potential new guardians. So, if reputable breeders aren't giving up pups for auction, where are the auctioned pups coming from? Sadly, chances are that the adorable pup up for auction is from a puppy mill, or a puppy mill broker.
If you are unfamiliar with the deplorable conditions and documented atrocities that define the term "puppy mill," details can be obtained from the following web sites:
If you do not have access to the web, please contact The SF/SPCA Humane Education Department for further details.
TOP TEN DETAILS TO REMEMBER
- According to the California Educational Code 233.5 schools and educators must model to their pupils the humane treatment of companion animals.
- It is considered inhumane to auction or raffle companion animals.
- AKC Registrations are generally important to people who want a purebred dog.
- If a dog becomes the property of any non-individual, AKC registrations become invalid and all AKC right and privileges are suspended.
- Responsible breeders with quality dogs will not donate to auctions or raffles.
- Puppy mills and their brokers are financially motivated and likely to put the health and safety of both people and animals at risk to increase profits.
- As a result of human inadequacies millions of companion animals suffer and die each year.
- Becoming an animal guardian requires careful planning and a promise of lifetime commitment and care.
- Careful planning is the best way to ensure a lasting loving home for all animals.
- Becoming a role model for "Responsible Guardianship" helps improve the lives of both animals and humans.
