For the past week or so, Meta has taken down a number of Facebook and Instagram posts, as well as the business pages of animal breeders around the world. Most of our clients are dog breeders in the US and Australia, so some of them notified us, and apparently, we notified others about the situation.

What exactly happened?

• Skye, an ethical Poodle breeder from QLD, Australia, shared that 5 or 6 of her posts from 2023 were taken down. After requesting a review, the posts were restored. Upon inspection, we found these posts to be general content, not sales-related.
• Similarly, a breeder from NSW, Australia, reported that several posts on her Facebook business page were flagged, resulting in a 177-day restriction on posting updates. After requesting a review, the restriction was reduced to just one week.
• A Texas-based breeder informed us that they were unable to add new posts to their Instagram account.
• Interestingly, another registered breeder from Queensland, Australia, noted that her Facebook page, despite featuring numerous puppy-sale posts, remained unaffected.

Two different statements regarding sales of animals

On this page, Meta’s policies clearly says that you can’t share content related to live animals such as pets and livestock.

While on this page, it says you can’t sell endangered animals but can sell others such as livestock. 

Why did Meta crack down on these business pages/profiles

Meta’s recent actions against dog breeders’ posts on Facebook and Instagram seem linked to their rule against selling animals between individuals. However, the way this rule is enforced has been inconsistent, frustrating many responsible breeders.

The main problem is that Meta struggles to tell the difference between ethical breeders and those involved in illegal puppy sales. While their goal is to protect animals, their broad rules and uneven enforcement have confused breeders and animal welfare groups.

Some breeders say their posts are removed even when they’re not selling animals, while other posts selling puppies still get through. This inconsistency has led to complaints that Meta isn’t doing enough to stop illegal puppy sales.

Animal welfare groups are calling on Meta to take stronger action against illegal puppy sales and to offer clear guidelines for responsible breeders.

What to do if your posts were removed?

If Meta removed your posts, try these steps:

Appeal the Decision

Review Meta’s policies: See why your post might have been removed. Read Meta’s policies.

Appeal the decision: Go to the “Support Inbox” on Facebook or Instagram and click “Appeal” next to the removed post.

Provide Context

Explain your post: Let Meta know you’re a registered, ethical breeder.

Share proof: Include documents like breeding licenses or health certificates.

Contact Meta Support

Submit a request: Visit Facebook or Instagram’s help centre to report the issue.

Describe the problem: Explain what happened and add details about the removed posts.

Connect with Others

Join breeder groups: Find breed-specific communities for support and advice.

Share your story: Let others know about your experience and get tips.

Get Verified

Verify your account: Complete Meta’s business verification to build trust.

Stay Calm and Persistent

Be patient: These issues can take time to fix.

Follow up: Politely remind Meta about your appeal if needed.

How do you let Meta Know that you are an Ethical Breeder?

• Verify your business: Ensure your business is verified on Facebook and Instagram. This helps Meta recognize your legitimacy.
• Clearly state your policies: On your social media profiles and website, explicitly outline your breeding practices, health guarantees, and return policies.
• Showcase transparency: Share information about your breeding process, such as health clearances, pedigree documentation, and veterinary care.
• Highlight registrations and certifications: Display your registrations with reputable kennel clubs or breed associations, as well as any certifications, such as health clearances.
• Engage with the community: Participate in online forums and groups focused on animal breeding and welfare. This helps establish your reputation as a responsible breeder.
• Report illicit breeders: If you encounter suspicious or illicit breeding activities, report them to Meta and local authorities.

By following these steps, you can showcase your commitment to ethical breeding and help Meta differentiate you from illegal breeders. However, keep in mind that this does not guarantee the restoration of removed posts or business pages.

Other Things To Do

Animal breeders relying on social media for their business should consider creating a website if they don’t already have one. A website not only helps you reach new customers beyond social media but also highlights your transparency and commitment to ethical practices.

Now is the perfect time for ethical breeders to invest in a comprehensive website that showcases your policies, breeding practices, and dedication to quality. If you already have a website, make sure to keep it updated regularly to maintain credibility and attract more customers.

Secure Your Business with a Professional Website Today!

Don’t let Meta’s changing policies disrupt your business. A well-designed website ensures you reach a wider audience, showcase your ethical practices, and build credibility beyond social media.

Let us help you create a stunning, user-friendly website tailored to your breeding business. Stand out with transparency, professionalism, and a platform you control. Contact us now to get started!