I got bored, so I started a flame war on Craigslist

Yeah, so as I've explained, I've not been in the most charitable mindset lately.

Things got a little slow at work the other afternoon, so I decided to peruse the "Pets" section of the local Craigslist, as one does when you want to get all rage-y about the stupidity of the human race.

Craigslist never disappoints.  On this particular day, some people were ranting about how they were denied adoption by local rescue groups.

A few random samples:

"Now keep in mind that we had a kitty that was dropped off when we own a place out in the country. He (the kitty) adopted us. After a few months went by, we took him and had him fixed and de clawed seeing how we wanted to make him a totally indoor furr ever family member. 16+ years he was with us, going to the vet only twice in his whole life."

and this:

 "I was so glad to see this posting. I am in total agreement--there are so many animal "rescues" with their judgmental, holier than thou attitudes that hurt more than help by denying perfectly good singles/families pet adoptions. Some, not all, probably make money off of their so called rescue groups."

and this:

"We could not agree more with the poster. S.P.E.A.K. has they're (sic) nose so far up in the air, they would not allow a pet to be adopted by a completely professional couple with no children and no other pets, just because we had to travel and would be gone a week every month. What kind of crap is that anyway?"

Well.  You know me.  I just had to chime in:

"Declawing a cat is inhumane and flat-out cruel. How would you like your doctor to remove all of your fingers at the first knuckle? Declawing is illegal in most civilized countries. Not taking a pet to the vet for recommended vaccinations puts that pet at risk of easily preventable diseases. Leaving a cat at home for a week while you're out of town is insane.

The rescue groups are trying to prevent these kinds of situations. That is why they ask lots of questions. If you think declawing a cat, neglecting vaccinations, and leaving a pet alone for days at a time is okay, THE RESCUE GROUPS DON'T WANT YOU ADOPTING.

End of story."

Holy Mary Mother of F*ck, these people burn my ass.

Thankfully, other people started chiming in:

"It is also illegal in NY to have a cat (or dog, or ferret) indoors or out that is not up to date on its rabies vaccination. That would be one reason rescues will not adopt to someone who cannot keep up with a pets vaccinations."

Sadly, the wingnuts outnumber the rationals by about ten-to-one on Craigslist.  But hell, I'll go down swinging.