Lost Pets Sold to Research Laboratories: Addressing Pound Seizure Through an Educational Social Media Page ‘FetchFreedom’

Abstract

Pound seizure is a wicked problem involving the sale of companion animals from shelters to educational or research facilities for experimentation. Because these companion animals are an inexpensive alternative to laboratory-bred animals, the issue remains widespread. Ontario is the only province in Canada where pound seizure is still mandated, and this is likely due to a lack of awareness among the general population. Pound seizure, however, is a wicked problem with significant impacts on humans, non-human animals, and the environment, including dangerous research outcomes, physiological and psychological pain and suffering, and environmental pollution. To address this issue, we have initiated an action involving the use of an educational Instagram page called FetchFreedom and a supporting social media campaign. Collectively, this action is intended to bring awareness to the issue and encourage others to take a stand against pound seizure.