Illegal Kitten Breeders Exploit Social Media to Sell ‘Bully’ Cats
An investigation reveals unlicensed breeders are selling ‘bully’ kittens on social media, risking the animals’ health and buyers’ money
Bully Cats, Illegal Breeding, Social Media, UK, Animal Welfare
London: There’s a troubling trend happening where unlicensed breeders are cashing in on the popularity of “bully” kittens. These little furballs are being sold on Instagram and Facebook for crazy prices, sometimes up to £6,000 each!
Critics say these kittens are bred to look cute but are actually at risk for serious health issues. They’re short-legged and hairless, which can lead to all sorts of problems, including joint pain and skin infections. It’s really sad.
Some sellers are even offering kittens that are too young to be sold legally. Under “Lucy’s Law,” only licensed breeders can sell pets under six months old. But these folks are skirting the rules, and it’s a big concern.
Many of these kittens are being advertised online, with sellers asking potential buyers to message them privately. It’s like a secret underground market for these pets, and it’s not safe for the animals or the buyers.
One investigator found a seller who was vague about the kittens’ backgrounds and even wanted a hefty cash deposit. It’s clear that these transactions are risky, with no guarantees about the health of the kittens.
Animal welfare groups are really worried about this trend. They’re urging people to adopt rescue cats instead of buying from these unlicensed breeders. It’s a much better option for both the animals and the owners.
With the rise of social media, it’s easier than ever for these illegal breeders to operate. They’re using code words and emojis to get around platform guidelines, making it tough to track them down.
It’s a complicated situation, but one thing is clear: buying a “bully” kitten from these sellers is a gamble. The health risks for the kittens are high, and buyers could end up with a lot of heartache and vet bills.