oh no...kid's school is doing something horrible

IMHO that would directly apply. Julie

rwbeagles

I also found the following in my cities code...what are your thoughts...would this apply here?

I think that code should apply.  Call your city's District Attorney's office and ask!

The code seems pretty cut and dried to me.  Maybe they'd be willing to auction off a huge, gorgeous stuffed dog ... FAO Schwarz quality. Whoever made this decision probably doesn't have a clue that code even exists.

Joyce

according to AC they CAN...auction this puppy...*grr*

AC was not happy about it esp when I told them where the pup was coming from. They have numerous complaints about the place but cannot do anything as it's not in their jurisdiction.

But I offered the ladies doing this one final out...I offered to BUY myself with ym own funds....a gift certificate to adopt a shelter animal if they call it off...if they do not take that I will be going to the Principal and things will get a lot more nasty.

How much time until the auction?  Hopefully you'll have enough to get some action from the school.  I can't believe that in this day and age someone thought this was ok!!

The Carnival is on the 18th so there's some time. I hope they will take my offer because they really REALLY do not want to tangle with me on this.

Puppy Auctions by Morgan Lance, Marin Humane Society

I wonder if the school knows

• the true age of the pup
• the health of the pup (vaccination status?  wormed?  full vet exam?)
• the living conditions where the pup was raised  (Will it be terrified of household noises?)
• the socialization given the pup  (Exposed to children?  Cats?  Yeck, grass?)
• the health and temperament of the parents
• the genetic problems in the line
• the characteristics of the breed - e.g. exercise requirements
• whether or not the breeder would mentor the new owners
• whether or not the breeder provides a health guarantee that is worth anything

Will the school assume liability if they sell a "lemon"?

rwbeagles

I hope they will take my offer because they really REALLY do not want to tangle with me on this.

Um hmm, I was thinking the same thing. I'm totally confident that you'll be able to nip this in the bud

neither has responded to my last email yet. They're probably on the phone to one another about the "crazy lady". They have...as Jeremy Irons would say..."no idea".

I have a good handful of printed articles here along with the city's code...I will present my offer directly to the Principal tomorrow along with letting him know that if this auction does go forward, as is...I will not be attending the Carnival, helping in any way, nor giving any donations to the school in future at the various fundraisers. That much I can do.

I would also think that the school would legally liable if something is wrong with the puppy - a future health issue, whatever.  Would they be willing to auction off an adoption from a local shelter?  They would win a gift certificate that would cover adoption costs for the animal (and open up interest to those who want to adopt a cat).

If things get that far, you might be able to get a vet to do a short exam in the guise of "looking" at the pup before the auction.

I wonder how the school would feel about loud questions at the auction?

• Does the pup come with a health certificate from a vet?
• What kind of genetic health guarantee comes with that pup?
• Was the pup raised in a home so he won't freak at every noise?
• Can you tell us the temperament of the parents? 
• Will the breeder take back the pup if things don't work out?

This needs to go to the media.  A puppy is not a something to be won like the giant stuffie you get for  dunking the principal.  Argh.  How awful.  If nothing else, I'd be the crazy lady out there with the giant sign saying, A PUPPY IS FOR LIFE - NOT THE HIGHEST BIDDER

They do auction off stockdogs and pups from stockdogs, but everyone there comes knowing the lines, what they need, and they get a demo of either the work the dog does or that of the parents.  The dogs go for extremely high prices and get terrific homes.

I really hope this is just something they did without really understanding why it's so wrong.

The shelter adoption is a good idea but good shelters screen applicants just like a breeder.  I think the idea of buying ANY pet on impulse is wrong, even for a good cause.  Why don't they just donate some money to the school and/or a shelter?

Dont forget to mention the message they are sending to the kids. That a dog, a lovable pet/companion can be sold off in a auction. Thats a horrible message.

In addition to the media suggestion above you could use craigslist as a sounding board to get more parents involved as well.

Would a word from your local shelter or HSUS be a viable option?