Something terribly wrong about referring to live animals as stocking stuffers. Our shelters are full of animals given as gifts…why perpetuate the problem.
Also, giving away animals for free welcomes all sorts of trouble. Not everyone wants to provide animals with a safe and loving home. Poor decision by the Contra Costa Animal Shelter =(
Why are all so sensitive these days. They are not referring live animals as stocking stuffers. It’s nothing more than a catchy Christmas phrase. “Stocking Stuffer Special” If they were offering dogs I may be interested as we currently have empty house syndrome. Many folks would love a critter for free.
I agree with Simonpure. Quit being so overly sensitive. All they’re doing is trying to give away adoptable animals. So what if they’re free. Kittens have been given away for free in the newspapers for years, and hopefully to good homes.
When it comes to advertising, as long as you’re talking about. Stocking Stuffers IS a catchy Christmas phrase. It’s no big deal.
Concord Citizen
December 5, 2019 - 6:05 PM 6:05 PM
This should definitely be removed, because it’s animals that are gifted for holidays, that are usually the same animals sent back to the shelter shortly after the “owners,” excitement has worn off. Get your kid a stuffed animal, unless you’re ready for the responsibility having a pet brings.
I also have a shelter pet. She’s a wonderful little cat and we love her dearly. However, I strongly disagree with this program. A kitten or a bunny is not a toy or a stocking stuffer. This advertising idea is very wrong.
Natalie
December 5, 2019 - 10:08 PM 10:08 PM
Animals shouldn’t be impulse gifts that are given away for free. If someone can’t afford an animal adoption fee, are they going to be able to afford food, vet care, and animal supplies? How many of these animals are going to end up right back at a shelter in January or February after the excitement wears off and reality sets in that animals are a big and expensive responsibility. This is a terrible marketing campaign.
Hanne Jeppesen
December 5, 2019 - 10:43 PM 10:43 PM
Last year my landlady’s teen age son came home with 2 very cute bunnies, they were free. One died shortly afterwards, they said they didn’t know, it just kept loosing weight. The other was put in a small cage outside, and for awhile kept in a bin in a dark garage, where at least it dry and somewhat warm. The bunny was again put outside in the small cage, as I passed the cage everyday when leaving for work, it became apparent, that the bunny had no shelter from the rain, although there was a tarp, and it was often out of food. So I and another tenant took it upon ourselves, to make sure the cage was covered, that the bunny had food and water, and we started to bring him carrots and treats. In the spring he was moved to a shed at the end of the garden, you had to navigate stairs to get there. Now he was really neglected, I would check on him every few days. I moved out in June, couldn’t stand to pay rent to people that neglect animals. The other tenant came back from a few days vacation and found the bunny starved and without water, she manage to convince the family to find a home for the bunny, and through a friend of mine in Petaluma, we found a wonderful home with a woman who had other bunnies. He is happy and well cared for now, but as I write this I still have hard feeling towards the family that allowed this to happen. The weren’t exactly nice to me either, but I’m an assertive adult I can speak up for myself. Animals and children cannot and I can’t tolerate abuse of either. So I tend to agree that giving animals away is not exactly a great idea, although I’m sure some families who could not afford to pay to get a pet, would still treat it properly.
Local Lady
December 6, 2019 - 8:21 AM 8:21 AM
The shelter is probably overcrowded again, so it is probably a choice between giving them away or destroying them. Adopting a cat can cost up to $147 so finding homes for them all can be challenging and there is never any guarantee that the animal won’t end up neglected or abused. Let’s all resolve to be good humans and encourage others to do the same.
Cheryl Byer
December 6, 2019 - 11:04 AM 11:04 AM
How sad that Contra Costa has an Animal Services Department that thinks giving away animals for Free is a good idea. Animals are not “impulse items” to give as gifts, and the Holidays are a busy, hectic time to bring a new animal into a home as a gift item. The Animal Shelter should be educating about this and following progressive guidelines which are recommended by Animal Organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States. Adoption is a wonderful thing when it has been planned, thought about, and the intention is to do what is best for the animal. An animal is a life-time commitment, and charging a fee for the animal may help insure that the adopter is able to provide Vet Care, etc. when it is needed.
Oh, Please. Wouldn’t it be better to do that then be stuck with a family who couldn’t afford to feed you, or take you to the vet if you broke a leg? Or just get dumped back at the Shelter, and wait for another free pet giveaway day.
Mimi (original)
December 6, 2019 - 11:38 AM 11:38 AM
Many people have expressed what I thought the minute I saw this ad – WHAT?? Appealing to folks to GIVE PETS AS GIFTS??? How AWFUL! The ASPCA and other animal rights groups have long touted that animals should NOT be given as gifts, stocking stuffers, or otherwise!! Pets require a lifetime commitment and should be chosen by a future owner, not GIFTED! Absurd! Contra Costa Animal Services – whoever thought up this campaign should be caged!!
JJ
December 6, 2019 - 1:36 PM 1:36 PM
Years ago, you were NEVER allowed to advertise pets for FREE in the newspaper classified ad section.
We rescued our beloved little Jack Russell mix from the Contra Costa shelter. She had been returned three times. Animals aren’t a pair of shoes, to return because you changed your mind, or last minute stocking stuffers to hang on the fireplace.
This is the worst campaign I have ever seen come out of a so-called animal shelter.
☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️
4th generation CCC
December 6, 2019 - 4:07 PM 4:07 PM
I think it is wonderful that the animal shelter is giving away animals for free. It is better than having to euthanize the animals because nobody wants them. I remember getting free kittens as a child. It was a special treat. We have people on disability who really appreciate having a pet and cannot afford the initial payment.
Khloe
December 6, 2019 - 10:19 PM 10:19 PM
I think it’s amazing how educated Clayclordians are regarding homeless animals and impulsivity. The responses are pretty awesome!
Turn n Burn
December 8, 2019 - 6:37 AM 6:37 AM
Having a pet is a luxury. Not a right. If you can’t afford to purchase one, how could you afford it’s care?
Janon
December 10, 2019 - 7:26 AM 7:26 AM
Staying at shelter =just about 100% chance of being euthanized.
Trying to adopt them out is trying to save their lives!!!! If the term “stocking stuffer” offends you, shouldn’t “euthanasia also”?!?! Give the county a break for trying to save their lives.
Something terribly wrong about referring to live animals as stocking stuffers. Our shelters are full of animals given as gifts…why perpetuate the problem.
Totally agree with you.
Also, giving away animals for free welcomes all sorts of trouble. Not everyone wants to provide animals with a safe and loving home. Poor decision by the Contra Costa Animal Shelter =(
Why are all so sensitive these days. They are not referring live animals as stocking stuffers. It’s nothing more than a catchy Christmas phrase. “Stocking Stuffer Special” If they were offering dogs I may be interested as we currently have empty house syndrome. Many folks would love a critter for free.
I agree with Simonpure. Quit being so overly sensitive. All they’re doing is trying to give away adoptable animals. So what if they’re free. Kittens have been given away for free in the newspapers for years, and hopefully to good homes.
When it comes to advertising, as long as you’re talking about. Stocking Stuffers IS a catchy Christmas phrase. It’s no big deal.
This should definitely be removed, because it’s animals that are gifted for holidays, that are usually the same animals sent back to the shelter shortly after the “owners,” excitement has worn off. Get your kid a stuffed animal, unless you’re ready for the responsibility having a pet brings.
Truth!
Agree
Stocking Stuffers?
This is a horrible way to advertise finding forever homes for these unfortunate animals.
Please rethink this campaign.
Can I order online and have one shipped?
Shame on the shelter. What are they thinking? Puppies kittens should never be Christmas presents
BOTTOM LINE..at least some animals will no longer be alone or caged up!!!
There are MANY positive ways to think of this. My rescues are the most wonderful addition to my life.
Peace 🐈🐇🐱
I also have a shelter pet. She’s a wonderful little cat and we love her dearly. However, I strongly disagree with this program. A kitten or a bunny is not a toy or a stocking stuffer. This advertising idea is very wrong.
Animals shouldn’t be impulse gifts that are given away for free. If someone can’t afford an animal adoption fee, are they going to be able to afford food, vet care, and animal supplies? How many of these animals are going to end up right back at a shelter in January or February after the excitement wears off and reality sets in that animals are a big and expensive responsibility. This is a terrible marketing campaign.
Last year my landlady’s teen age son came home with 2 very cute bunnies, they were free. One died shortly afterwards, they said they didn’t know, it just kept loosing weight. The other was put in a small cage outside, and for awhile kept in a bin in a dark garage, where at least it dry and somewhat warm. The bunny was again put outside in the small cage, as I passed the cage everyday when leaving for work, it became apparent, that the bunny had no shelter from the rain, although there was a tarp, and it was often out of food. So I and another tenant took it upon ourselves, to make sure the cage was covered, that the bunny had food and water, and we started to bring him carrots and treats. In the spring he was moved to a shed at the end of the garden, you had to navigate stairs to get there. Now he was really neglected, I would check on him every few days. I moved out in June, couldn’t stand to pay rent to people that neglect animals. The other tenant came back from a few days vacation and found the bunny starved and without water, she manage to convince the family to find a home for the bunny, and through a friend of mine in Petaluma, we found a wonderful home with a woman who had other bunnies. He is happy and well cared for now, but as I write this I still have hard feeling towards the family that allowed this to happen. The weren’t exactly nice to me either, but I’m an assertive adult I can speak up for myself. Animals and children cannot and I can’t tolerate abuse of either. So I tend to agree that giving animals away is not exactly a great idea, although I’m sure some families who could not afford to pay to get a pet, would still treat it properly.
The shelter is probably overcrowded again, so it is probably a choice between giving them away or destroying them. Adopting a cat can cost up to $147 so finding homes for them all can be challenging and there is never any guarantee that the animal won’t end up neglected or abused. Let’s all resolve to be good humans and encourage others to do the same.
How sad that Contra Costa has an Animal Services Department that thinks giving away animals for Free is a good idea. Animals are not “impulse items” to give as gifts, and the Holidays are a busy, hectic time to bring a new animal into a home as a gift item. The Animal Shelter should be educating about this and following progressive guidelines which are recommended by Animal Organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States. Adoption is a wonderful thing when it has been planned, thought about, and the intention is to do what is best for the animal. An animal is a life-time commitment, and charging a fee for the animal may help insure that the adopter is able to provide Vet Care, etc. when it is needed.
I guess it is better the euthanize them?
Oh, Please. Wouldn’t it be better to do that then be stuck with a family who couldn’t afford to feed you, or take you to the vet if you broke a leg? Or just get dumped back at the Shelter, and wait for another free pet giveaway day.
Many people have expressed what I thought the minute I saw this ad – WHAT?? Appealing to folks to GIVE PETS AS GIFTS??? How AWFUL! The ASPCA and other animal rights groups have long touted that animals should NOT be given as gifts, stocking stuffers, or otherwise!! Pets require a lifetime commitment and should be chosen by a future owner, not GIFTED! Absurd! Contra Costa Animal Services – whoever thought up this campaign should be caged!!
Years ago, you were NEVER allowed to advertise pets for FREE in the newspaper classified ad section.
We rescued our beloved little Jack Russell mix from the Contra Costa shelter. She had been returned three times. Animals aren’t a pair of shoes, to return because you changed your mind, or last minute stocking stuffers to hang on the fireplace.
This is the worst campaign I have ever seen come out of a so-called animal shelter.
☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️
I think it is wonderful that the animal shelter is giving away animals for free. It is better than having to euthanize the animals because nobody wants them. I remember getting free kittens as a child. It was a special treat. We have people on disability who really appreciate having a pet and cannot afford the initial payment.
I think it’s amazing how educated Clayclordians are regarding homeless animals and impulsivity. The responses are pretty awesome!
Having a pet is a luxury. Not a right. If you can’t afford to purchase one, how could you afford it’s care?
Staying at shelter =just about 100% chance of being euthanized.
Trying to adopt them out is trying to save their lives!!!! If the term “stocking stuffer” offends you, shouldn’t “euthanasia also”?!?! Give the county a break for trying to save their lives.