An animal charity has intervened to save a cat after it was discovered being sold for a mere £30 on the popular online marketplace Vinted, a platform designed for second-hand fashion.
A Shocking Discovery on a Clothes Site
The three-year-old pet was advertised on the Lithuanian-based website, which explicitly bans the sale of animals. Abi Left, founder of Left Paw Cat Rescue, purchased the cat after seeing the listing. She revealed the seller conducted no checks before handing the animal over, as Ms Left did not disclose she was from a rescue centre.
In a statement to the BBC, Vinted confirmed the sale violated its Catalogue Rules, which state the site 'is not a place for the sale of animals'. The company said it removed the listing as soon as it was alerted and uses software to detect banned items, though it also relies on member reports.
'No Value on His Life'
Ms Left emphasised this was not an isolated incident, recounting that the seller saw nothing wrong with advertising the cat online, despite receiving criticism for it. She stated the shockingly low asking price of £30 demonstrated the owner had placed 'no value on his life'.
The cat has now been moved to a foster home. Ms Left reported the animal was 'scared' when collected and is taking time to adjust, often hiding from its new carers. 'At least he’s safe, we know he’s in the right hands and hasn’t accidentally ended up in the wrong hands,' she added.
Platform Policies and Animal Welfare
The incident highlights ongoing challenges in policing online marketplaces and raises significant animal welfare concerns. While platforms like Vinted have clear policies, the ease of listing items can lead to prohibited sales. The rescue underscores the vital role of vigilant charities and the public in identifying and reporting such listings to protect vulnerable animals.
