Page 16 - 4th Qtr 2017 Newsletter TAA_FINAL

TAA NEWS

PUPPIES AT YOUR CHARITY BENEFIT AUCTION By: Mike Hanley

The “Prince of Darkness” Ozzy Osbourne might have PRO – $$$$$$$
dropped $10,000 sometime back in the day on some Let’s address the Elephant in the room. It’s our job as
barely legal (or not) products, but in July of 2011 he Auctioneers to maximize the amount of money generated
spent that same amount of cash on a new puppy at a for our client. These animals bring in a LOT of money
Charity Gala. and that’s what we are supposed to do? And when
you are saving babies or funding Cancer research the
Ozzy was in attendance with his wife Sharon at an annual money brought in from the sale of puppies goes a long
benefit helping the HollyRod Foundation, which provides way. How much formula and Diapers, or Chemo drugs
aid to families who are coping with autism and Parkinson’s can $10,000 buy for example? It’s a strong argument for
disease. this method.
Not everyone agrees that selling puppies via the Auction CON – Community Backlash
method is a good idea and there is considerable debate Some people in the Community where the Auction is being
in our own industry about it. held may not be happy about this offering. Gemma
Vaughan (info@peta.org ) an Animal Cruelty Case Worker
Justin Swisher a Charity Benefit Auctioneer from Virginia for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals was
says “They aren’t for every group and understanding clear on PETA’s position when I spoke with her by phone:
the cons are important for your client. Having said, I sold “Auctioning Animals of any kind puts them at risk as you
two puppies with a high bidder’s choice for south Florida’s cannot gauge the suitability of the owner at an Auction.”
largest No kill animal rescue organization for over 22k+
each! Each winner could have adopted for $300 if they She went on to state that that many owners feel over-
had just waited till Monday. This was certainly a reputable whelmed by the ownership of an animal purchased at
and nationally known rescue organization.” Auction. PETA actually receives many calls from concerned
citizens about Charities planning to Auction puppies and
Also in defense of the practice, Seattle auctioneer Kip when they do they reach out and urge the Organization
Toner said a growing trend is to auction a dog along with to reconsider, most will.
goods and services to help the new owner, such as pre-
paid veterinary visits, food, obedience classes and spaying PRO – The shelter option
or neutering.”The intent is to create an increased Veronica Martinez CEO and Founder of “Pawty Breaks”
probability that the dog will have a good home,” said Toner. a company that provides services to Dog Owners was
generally against the practice as well.
Bidders often pay far more than the commercial value
of the dog, prompted by a desire to benefit the charity, “I believe in adopting, not shopping. In contrast, I would
and sometimes get caught up in bidding competition. be supportive if, let’s say Austin Pets Alive! Had a pet
auction at their annual fundraiser. A no-kill shelter could
Let’s examine the Pros and Cons. use it as an opportunity to home animals currently in
their care. Because of the no-kill movement, should a
PRO – This is an emotional Issue home not work for the animal APA! could accept the
These cute adorable little puppies make people fall in dog back and help find the right home. In a situation like
love with them at first site. Attendees bid and they bid that the buyer could forfeit the money (aka donation)
high. As Auctioneers it’s easy to sell these cute little or trade for another dog that is a fit for their home.
pups. The crowd loves it, the energy in the room sky- Ultimately, an auction could yield more money than the
rockets, and the overall event is so much the better. typical adoption fee one pays when they go directly to
Everyone has a “Feel Good” attitude and leaves happy, APA!”
even if they did not bid on the Puppy.
CON – The Law
CON – This is an emotional Issue 27 States have Laws on the books that prohibit the giving
Yes, little puppies make people fall in love with them at away of an animal as a prize at an event. Texas is not one
first site, but then they go home with the winning bidder, of them but cities sometimes do.
chew on the furniture, whine at night, bark during the
day, and some grow, and grow and grow. The cute factor For Instance, the City of Dallas prohibits the Sale of
may go away. This is a 10-15-year relationship the winning Animals by Auction at a Charity event. Here it is from the
bidder has just entered into. This Dog will now be a Dallas City Code.
member of the winning bidder’s family. Is that a decision
that should be entered into in the heat of an emotional
moment, perhaps fueled by alcohol and peer pressure? continued on page 18

16 4th Quarter • 2016 texasauctioneers.org