SPCA welcomes Facebook’s updated animal sale policy
However, the policy does not extend to the sale or offer of animal cages, products for animals, veterinary services, grooming services and boarding services.
A recent amendment to Facebook’s online commerce policy which allows users to report posts on the sale of animals has been welcomed by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA).
Social media users and animal activists have for some time been lobbying the social media giant to add this feature amid fears that animals, both pets and livestock, may be being exploited.
Of particular concern are posts relating to the sale of animal fur, skin and even animal parts.
According to the Facebook commerce policy, posts may no longer promote the sale of any animal, and this extends to the sale of live animals, pets, livestock, any part of an animal, pelt or skin from an animal, including fur.
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However, the policy does not extend to the sale or offer of animal cages, products for animals, veterinary services, grooming services and boarding services.
Should you come across a post which causes you concern, click on the arrow in the top right-hand corner of the post and report it to Facebook. Once reported, the post will be removed (if found in breach of the policy upon review).
“We commend Facebook for making this decision, and believe that this will help in curbing the abuse of animals for profit. Although it isn’t illegal to breed or sell animals in South Africa, we have serious welfare concerns related to this practice,” said the NSPCA.
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