Disturbing Feeder Breeder on CL, Need Advice

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fumblesquid

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 10, 2011
Messages
306
Location
Massachusetts.
I have been seeing a local feeder breeder advertising on craigslist for the past few weeks. Normally when I see feeder breeders I just ignore them because at the very least the conditions are clean, and I'm not willing to pick battles with every breeder I see.

This guy has some very upsetting photos of rats kept in filthy, tiny conditions. One depicts a pregnant rat being held by her tail, another a plastic bag holding frozen pinkies on his stove top.

Here are the current links to his posts:
https://boston.craigslist.org/nos/pet/6118449809.html
https://boston.craigslist.org/nos/pet/6121915739.html
https://hartford.craigslist.org/pet/6100127972.html

He posts a lot and some posts expire, there will likely be more soon.

Please do not contact this guy and harass him outright, the goal is to help the rats, last thing we want is to get him unwilling to change

(disturbing content warning) Link to an imgur album with images for documentation: http://imgur.com/a/kNtRN

Advice on how to help the rats? My main idea is to at least get this guy to take better care of his rats. Mainly: a clean environment and handling the rats better. Maybe give the incentive that buyers want cleaner, friendlier rats? I'm not sure.

Getting the rats from him would also just perpetuate the issue, because he'd just breed more. I wouldn't give him a dime unless he would never own rats again.
 
I know we've seen issues like this in the past. I will tag this post with a few seasoned people tagged (I never spell them right).

I'm not sure if animal welfare organizations can get involved?
 
My only suggestion would be contacting local rat rescues if they are an good as they may have some contacts, also contacting whatever organization is responsible for investigating and dealing with animal abuse - but it is unlikely that they will do anything :(

Those poor ratties :(
 
I don't think any organization will be able to do much, let alone even care if they do have power, but I will definitely try. I will definitely attempt the MSPCA, perhaps MRR but I've heard they don't look into craigslist ads (tried them before for another case, over a year ago though), maybe PETA because they are certainly passionate, and most likely some local facebook rat friends.

I plan to start contacting organizations tomorrow. I think I will start by calling the MSPCA and asking what to do when I see animal neglect online. I'm not sure if they help directly, or will direct me to another place. I will keep you guys posted.
 
Hi all! :wave:

I would suggest contacting the By-Law department and file a complaint. (But you would have to find out where this person lives first - even if it's on the pretense of buying some of his "stock".) It's a round about way to deal with the problem because municipalities really don't like it when people a) run businesses like this out of their home without a license and b) keep more than the allowed number of animals. Chances are they will deal with this person rather harshly. However, there will have to be rescues lined up to take the rats if a shut down is ordered.

It works - I know because I was involved with having a breeder shut down this way (and ended up with something like 80 rats btw).
 
Thank you @MumsyRat

That sounds very promising. I'm going to try contacting the bylaw department of Lynn, MA once I get his exact address. I've taken some glances through the city ordinance for Lynn, MA and it looks like he definitely violates some of the laws under "Animals".

I'll text him now, he left a number on his CL post. I'm pretty nervous. I will send a generic text first, but if he asks for more details on what snake I have, I'll say ball python? -shrugs- I just want his address to get this started.
 
I got his address soon after my post, he was very quick to respond. I've been anxious to contact anyone to report him. I hate to put this on anyone else, but if someone else would like to volunteer to report this guy I can give you his address over pm. I'm not very confident calling local bylaw departments and going through the process, whatever it may be.

If it really comes down to it, I will contact them myself. I hate to think those rats are still suffering because I'm too anxious to confront the issue.
 
Send me the info and I'll take a look when I get back from some appointments today. Hopefully someone with more knowledge steps in, but I'm willing to put in research.
 
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