'Heartbreaking' animal abuse prompts petition to ban free pet ads on Gumtree

The advertising of free pets via online marketplaces has animal rights activists fearful such animals will be taken and exploited by illegal dog fighting rings.

Rescue dog Trixie, who was allegedly used as bait to train fighting dogs. Source: AAP

Thousands of Australia's animal lovers are rallying behind a petition which urges classifieds website Gumtree to ban ads offering free pets.

Melbourne woman Casey Kemp created the campaign on Change.org after spotting a number of 'horrific' cases of animal abuse documented on social media.

Read the full article in English here.