An Announcement on Genetic Testing and RTF Classifieds
There's been some interesting dialogue lately regarding RTF's position around minimum requirements necessary for posting of puppies for sale.
At this time, a hip and eye clearance is required for the retriever puppy ads. With time, RTF may take a more firm approach around EIC and CNM as requirements. RTF does not require OFA #'s, CERF #'s, etc. by design. It is the due diligence of the buyer that guarantees these things to be robust and accurate. RTF can never take the place of solid research when one makes a buying decision.
I and RTF does not have the time, nor the desire to become a fact-checker, or any sort of confirmation body that advertised claims by sellers are accurate. RTF can not and will not take on that sort of liability position. Buyers and sellers are responsible for making good on their commitments.
If users are abusing RTF, by posting false/fraudulent information, we do want to know this. Folks should not have the privelege of using RTF to reach other retriever enthusiasts if they are cheating and stealing. I want RTF to be no part of any such fraudulent activities and will strive to keep those abusers off the board. (and yes, we have had a couple deadbeats over the years who have unfortunately "stolen" from others on here and are now gone.)
RTF does not prohibit any seller from advertising positive points, such as genetic clearances, including, but not limited to CNM/EIC clearances. The smart advertiser puts this information out there to differentiate their pups from other ads.
Please do not begrudge RTF when an advertister may be not as forthcoming with information that suits your tastes. RTF will never be a one-size-fits-all resource. If you find that a seller is not being forthcoming with information, please do not begrudge me, Vicky, or anyone else on RTF for not making it easier for you to find the perfect puppy.
We recently had one complaintant who had very high expectations of RTF and the kinds of checks and balances, and efforts that we would put forth towards the integrity, accuracy, and inclusiveness of all clearances possible. I hope that most of you will realize that the classifieds are a free service from which we hope you all gain some value.
For anyone falsifying claims, advertising clearances that don't exist, promising to send merchandise after depositing checks that never get sent, etc.:
...your ads can and will be deleted and your ability to post on RTF can and will be eliminated.
Feel free to contact me with any questions. Please do not begrudge me for not making your attempts to find EIC and CNM clearances on advertised dogs easier to get. There are sellers out there happy to differentiate their pups/dogs with these clearances and will readily provide them. If someone's not responding to your inquiries according to your expectations or timeline....move on! There are lots of other puppies out there....many of which are right here on RTF classifieds!
Thanks for reading. Thanks for making RTF what it is.
And for those of you about to hear a certain complaintant tell you what a crummy attitude I have about EIC and CNM, you will now understand where I stand. If you disagree, I apologize. Can't satisfy everyone I guess.
I'm just happy to still have a day job in this economy and kinda have to spend a good chunk of time doing that instead of tracking down EIC clearances for John Doe so that he finds his buddy the best puppy and doesn't look bad.
Honestly, I'm kind of scratching my head a bit, wondering what some folks think I'm supposed to do to clear the world of genetic defects thru RTF. :cool: "Irresponsible" is not a way that I like to be described with regards to my efforts around RTF.
Chris
P.S. if I were buying my perfect puppy, he/she would have both parents: OFA/CERF, EIC CLEAR, CNM CLEAR, National Titles on both parents...all clearance numbers would be posted and available on public websites.
