Going too far???

[twinkles**stars]

Woman willing to swap her kitten for an iPad

Sophie Brown pets

A Melbourne woman’s online ad to swap her kitten for an iPad has outraged animal rights groups.

How far would you go to get your hands on an iPad? A technology-crazed Melbournian woman is willing to exchange her 8-month-old purebred Russian Blue kitten for the popular tablet computer.

Using Gumtree to advertise her proposed swap, the Melton woman was willing to accept an iPhone 5, $700, or the nearest offer.

The woman’s desperate attempt to hunt down an iPad has alarmed animal rights groups, with RSPCA spokesman Tim Pilgrim labelling the ad “distasteful and inappropriate”.

"It's very concerning that people think they are able to trade a living creature for an electronic item," Mr Pilgrim told media.

Suggesting that the owner should turn the kitten in if unable to care for it, Mr Pilgrim told media, “We'd encourage her to surrender the kitten and let us give it the second chance it deserves - and make sure it goes to the right home, and not just someone who turns up with an iPad."

Animal Aid spokeswoman Debora Boland was also disturbed by the ad, "It's just indicative of how little animals are valued," Ms Boland told media.

Refusing to be named, the kitten’s owner confirmed the legitimacy of the ad, insisting she loved her pet but needed to find it another home after she was threatened with eviction by her landlord.

"I'm not being irresponsible, I am trying to find a good home for my kitten," the woman told media.

"If I take her to a shelter, she could get put down if no one takes her... all I'm doing is giving people the opportunity to buy her, who might not be able to afford it," the woman has said.

The controversial ad has since been removed from the Gumtree website.

[sprinklespowerpuff]

a pet bought from a pet shop or breeder doesn't guarantee its treatment.

That's true, Lakeland. However some parrots in particular are very expensive and even if its not an expensive bird if people have to pay for it and quite a sum of money in some instances it stands to reason the bird would have a bit better chance of being looked after reasonably as opposed to one they've paid nothing for. It also behoves pet shops and bird breeders to properly inform the prospective buyer as to the particular bird's dietary needs and depending on the species, what interaction/stimulation they should be providing the bird in order to meet its psychological needs. 

[lakeland27]

 i just don't think this (like so many other things) can be controlled.  the woman with the ipad bought the cat in the first place.. and is now deemed unsuitable for her actions. this wasn't able to be seen by the breeder or petshop beforehand .. so what can be done ?

[donnashuggy]

One of my eBay students was a reptile seller, that was a very scary experience for me 😄

I'd rather an ipad than a cat. lol

[joz*garage]

you said you would swap an ipad, you made the call.

[sprinklespowerpuff]

We are just pointing out that publications should abolish the "free to good home" listings.

[sprinklespowerpuff]

As an add-on to my post 10, I mean't to also include any living creature bought through pet shops and breeders in my comments.

[twinkles**stars]

you said you would swap an ipad, you made the call.

I would if I had one.....don't assume too much

[joz*garage]

*eye roll*

[kayza40]

people swap $700 dollars for these cats so why not an Ipad ? i fail to see the difference. its a case of how well the cat is treated surely.

Yeah I don't get it either.  I really don't see the big drama. 

[carls*world]

I'll do 2 for an ipad, and throw in a free litter tray and food bowl.