Do Not Adopt lists

Note: the following mainly applies only to animal shelters.

Here's an interesting post at ExpertLaw relating to a Do Not Adopt (DNA) list at an animal shelter. I'm a little suspicious about this individual's claim that he'd taken in an abused dog then decided to give it away to the shelter. Depending on how long the person had the dog (a few hours versus several months) I'd say this person certainly had other options instead of going to the shelter. And I'm not sure what to think about the poster's claims of poor treatment by the shelter workers.

Still, I think it's interesting that this individual is posting on a legal forum, specifically a forum dedicated to "defamation, slander & libel." Ever since I've heard about shelters and rescues maintaining DNA lists and sharing these with other entities, I've often wondered how long before we're faced with a deluge of defamation suits from angry adopters.

Don't get me wrong; I'm all for shelters and rescues keeping a list of known animal abusers and hoarders as well as sharing information about potential adoptees who've lied on their applications. I just think the animal rescue community needs to keep this in mind when sharing or posting DNA information. Even if a shelter or group fights off a defamation suit that's money going to lawyers' fees and not animals.

In fact, I'm glad Petfinder specifically prohibits DNA posts on their message board. After all, posting any DNA information online leaves a trail that can be used in court. And don't even think that you're ever truly anonymous on the Internet.

And shelters (and rescues) should be responsible with their DNA lists. In my personal opinion, a person should only go on these lists if they are known animal abusers, have knowingly lied to a rescue or shelter, and have been forbidden by the courts from owning animals. I would also like to see animal shelters institute an appeals process regarding the DNA list.

And I certainly find nothing wrong with how many rescues I know handle similar situations: a quick call to the rescue down the road to let them know that an adopter lied on their application and to be aware if they come trying to adopt from other groups.

Just be prudent with DNA information, is all I'm asking.

And I think Pet-Abuse.com is a great resource for anyone involved in animal adoption. This site uses primarily news reports and court documents. And the site's name search focuses only on convicted animal abusers.