KUALA LUMPUR: Netizens have taken aim at on-line pet traders, particularly cat breeders who they say are exploiting animals for profit.
User @teratairaa on X began the conversation by posting about an alleged breeding account on TikTok.
"Since people are now aware of these cat breeds, please spread this and stop those selling them so there's no more supply and demand! There are so many stray cats that need our attention. Adopt, don't shop!" the post read.
The post, which included screenshots of the TikTok account and photos of cats allegedly on sale, was retweeted by user Samantha Cavill, who strongly condemned the revelation.
"It's about time we unite to take down all these breeding shops. I don't have TikTok, but I know there are so many people selling cats on TikTok. This is in no way adoption. Please stop manipulating people with words like that.
"Do you see how they use manipulative words like 'rehome cat'? 'Helping purebred cats find loving homes.' Bro, what do you mean by helping? Did the cats ask for your help? Did they volunteer to be exploited? They're forced to exist just to make money for these disgusting people," Cavill wrote.
Many other users stepped forward with similar screenshots, highlighting unethical strategies employed by breeders online, such as installment plans to pay for their animals on sale.
"If you have to pay for your bred cat in instalments, that simply means you cannot afford to take care of an 'expensive' cat. When they can't afford it, these same cats end up abandoned or thrown out," said user Leopard Lady.
"Can it get worse? Yes. If the cat you buy is sick or otherwise 'defective,' you get a one-to-one replacement for free! It's like buying a product off the shelf. They don't see the cats as actual living beings. And what happens to the defective cat since it's no longer 'sellable'? Vile," she added.
User @ayainull shared a comment allegedly made by a breeder on TikTok: "This is what one breeder said: 'Because it's not haram (prohibited), I'm still doing it. So stupid."
Others highlighted the prevalence of breeding activity on multiple platforms, which may contribute to a rise in strays.
User @nillielish said, "One day I spent a long time watching a Facebook Live where a guy was playing with his cats. He wasn't selling them, but from the next day onwards, my feed was full of live videos of people selling cats. Some even claimed to be certified breeders."
Other users condemned the practice of breeding pets in general and breeders specifically.
According to the Animal Welfare Act 2015, the breeding of pets such as cats are not illegal.
However, it is regulated through a licence that must be obtained from the Animal Welfare Board.
Without this licence, breeders can rack up penalties ranging from RM15,000 to RM75,000.