Bonkey and 70 - I was very upset reading your posts, although I used gumtree alot, I won't be any more - I had no idea they sold pets like this, and in my opinion it should be against the law.... all unwanted pets should have to go through the RSPCA and there should be funding for this, not randomly selling them on a website, without any checks etc. It does raise the question of animal welfare in general, if even the high street petshops ( we all know the one) cannot be relied upon for the highest standards of animal care. I think all legitimate rescues should be inspected and properly funded - look at all the horse/dog rescues and all the wonderful work they do on a shoestring budget.
As I get (sadly) older and wiser, I realise there are really 3 types of people : - those that really get and understand animals,( treat them equally and fairly, but also get in their heads to see what their needs are) those that really dont 'get' animals but do their best ( though sometimes their treatment of animals is often neglectful but not deliberately so if you see what I mean) , and those who just want to exploit, make money out of them and dont care how they are treated.
I loathe animal cruelty, ever since I was little I have been writing letters, campaigning, joining animal welfare groups and supporting them whenever and whenever I can, - we all have our passions and this is mine!!! Dont even start me on farm animals, ( lifelong veggie and lifetime supporter of CIWF).
:)