Norther Dauphin Christian School had planned to auction off this beagle puppy (as shown on their facebook page) at their school’s annual fundraiser. A backlash of negative comments had them removing the photo within hours.
They posted a flyer advertising their benefit auction on April 26th with the puppy receving the most attention.
A dog breeder affiliated with the school had approached them to donate a puppy to raise money for them. The breeder has not been named.
The outrage led to an investigation. In the end, the school put out a statement on their website stating:
“The school regrets causing anyone concern over this matter, and both parties have agreed to forego this arrangement.”
The real problem with this “arrangement” is legalities involved. It is illegal to auction off a puppy or any animal.
I received the following from Janine Choplick, Humane Officer for Hillside SPCA:
“Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture spokeswoman Samantha Krepps explained that state law prohibits the auctioning of dogs by any person or group other than a kennel or other group sponsored by a recognized breed or kennel association, which would have technically made the auction illegal.
It’s in a section of the dog law that not everyone is familiar with, so it was probably just a mistake,” Krepps said. “We’re looking into it and we’re going to go talk to them, but it is illegal to auction off a dog.”
I don’t believe the school meant any harm or malice and didn’t realize they were breaking the law.
I do believe those in charge were not thinking about the welfare of the puppy. What responsible breeder would allow one of her puppies to be auctioned off to raise money? Any reputable breeder is very concerned about the welfare of each puppy that is bought from them.
Why is a breeder associated with the school?
Why would any school official agree to allow a puppy to be auctioned off to the highest bidder? Having a pet of any kind is a responsibility for someone who will love and care about the welfare of the puppy and as an adult. To give the puppy to the one who donates the most money is completely irresponsible.
The bidder could’ve done anything with this living, breathing animal. Where was the concern for the puppy?
The school says it’s sorry and didn’t know they were breaking the law. I want to hear them take responsibility for even thinking about auctioning off this puppy. Very bad move.
I thought we only needed to teach students about animal welfare in schools. Looks like the teachers and the breeder could be taught a thing or two.
Unbelievable. They don’t care about the puppy. Maybe the breeder is a commercial breeder. Hope not.
Oh my God!
Why are people so ignorant when it comes to animals? You’d think teachers would know better than to auction off a puppy. They don’t care about animals. It’s quite apparent. They never even said they were sorry for coming up with the idea. They were only sorry because it was illegal.
A beagle. Probaby was gonna be used for hunting. Disturbing and disgusting. They don’t get what they did wrong.
How do you know the puppy would’ve ended up in the wrong hands? The breeder said she would have put them through the adoption process like any other puppy she would adopt.
and they should lose their bid! stupid idea. when will people learn?
It never ceases to amaze what people do with animals.
Stupid is as stupid does.
Tina, here is another Christian school that has changed its mind about auctioning off a puppy after being inundated with negative comments from people concerned about animal welfare: http://www.kgw.com/news/Jesuit-High-School-drops-plan-for-dog-auction-amid-complaints-256602761.html. The school officials still don’t think there is anything wrong with this practice…they just didn’t like all the negative publicity and attention they were getting.
They had planned to include a Bernese Mountain Dog in their upcoming auction to raise funds for the school – a Jesuit High School in Oregon. Many of the emails came from BMD owners & breeders, as well as members of the Bernese Friends Worldwide f/b group; plus others who felt this was wrong. Apparently, the school has been doing this for the past 10 years. The Walsh Jesuit High School in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio is planning to do the same thing next month.
Seems like these schools don’t care HOW they raise funds for the school!!!
Elaine, it does appear school officials have no comprehension that auctioning off a puppy is a bad idea. The Jesuit High School had written an explanation about the puppy. They disagree with animal rights people and don’t feel it’s wrong to auction off a puppy but decided against it because of the negativity.
No lesson learned. Very sad,
Thanks for bringing this to my attention, Elaine.
Tina