Stolen Picture

[Kona & Oreo's mom]

Nothing was "stole" as nothing is copyrighted.

I must disagree with this statement. Having worked in publishing for a long time, I know that a photograph is covered by copyright the instant it is "fixed in tangible form" and that includes a digital photo "fixed" in computer memory. Without doing anything (such as publishing it, registering it, or putting a circled C on it), the photographer holds the legal copyright of the photo as the creator.

When you submitted the photo to POTD, you transfered your ownership of copyright to POTD as explained by Karen. The shelter, despite the good work they do, is not legally allowed to alter or reproduce and distribute the images without permission of the new copyright owner, POTD.

Copyright law is very complex and in some places "gray." However, on this matter it is quite clear. Don't let them make you feel guilty for defending your rights.

[catnapper]

[i]It amazes and disappoints me that you would even care that the picture is being used for such a good cause. Nothing was "stole" as nothing is copyrighted. It will be taken down.

I feel sorry that you would act this way.

OMG - Is this person brain dead? I'd never "borrow" a photo from one site to put on my own. I don't even like to use clip art on my website for fear of this very thing.

How would they act if they happened across a picture they took - no matter if it was of their cat, their vacation or their son? Its freaky to see something you did appear out of nowhere.

[guineapiggie13]

Geezm and without your permission! That for sure is Peanut. I mean, at least put your own cat pictures in!

[sammy101]

geez! I would get soo mad if i saw my cats face on a adoption website
Im sorry that something like that happened to you

[lbaker]

I'm sure Jenluckenback and plenty of other cat recuers from this site would be more than happy to send pictures of "real" adoptable cats/kittens. Is there such a thing as a picture of an "unadoptable" cat/kitten? Does any picture of Magoo make you do anything but awwwwww, how sweet and dear... The road to Hell is paved with good intentions - WHICH IS NOT SAY GOOD INTENTIONS ARE EVIL OR WRONG. But in this case I would say totally uncalled for and un-needed. Special needs cats/kittens - just like special needs children are even more loved in the Lords eyes

[Kfamr]

Unfortunately, i've seen Simba's pictures used many times, without my permission. I've also seen graphics I've made for others without my permission. You'd think they'd understand and just use their own cats. I mean, it's not like their pictures (from what I saw on their petfinder site) are of bas quality.

[Vermontcat]

Hmmm... seeing as how Princess Peanut is now a supermodel posing for a rescue, maybe you should charge them a "fee" for using her photo on their website.

This whole thing just isn't right, they stole the photos from Cat of the Day, plain and simple.

[cocker_luva]

this is the email that i sent them afew minutes ago.


"Are you aware that your shelter is ILLEGAL?!? Almost all of the photos of cats and kittens on the left side of the screen are STOLEN pictures of peoples' pets that were posted on catoftheday.com. I, along with our whole site, is appalled that your 'innocent' kitty shelter is run by CRIMINALS. I wouldn't be surprised that all 8 cat owners, whose personal property YOU stole, sue your stealing 'shelter.' We are all notified and you will be hearing alot from the Pet Talk group from dogoftheday, catoftheday and petoftheday.com!!!!! I hope that this will stop and you will realize that what you have done is wrong. Please, do the right thing!

~upset Pet Talk member"

i wrote "Adopting some kitties!!" in the subject slot, so i think they will open it and see it faster.

[Tonya]

It really was a stupid thing to do. Copyright laws or not, it's just common decency to ask for permission before posting other people's pictures. I don't think we should beat them up over it though. I am sure that they learned their lesson. Hopefully from here on out, their pictures will focus on their adoptable cats instead of our kitties.

[Uabassoon]

I can't believe how rude they were about the situation! You'd think they would have given you a decent apology instead of trying to make you feel guilty.

[lizbud]

Wow, I am surprised that this group wasn't more apologetic.

Their site said this "Our kittens come from around the country and you will find the unique, the rare mixes as well as the cutest of the cute here. Unfortunately we aren't large enough to save them all (yet), so we do hand pick the best for you! "


They did hand pick the BEST, they chose COTD pics.

[Cincy'sMom]

Originally posted by Tubby & Peanut's Mom


It amazes and disappoints me that you would even care that the picture is being used for such a good cause. Nothing was "stole" as nothing is copyrighted. It will be taken down.

I feel sorry that you would act this way.

It amazes and disappoints me that common courtesy
has gone so far by the wayside that they don't even ask permission to use what belongs to someone else. Being a "good cause" doesn't give you a free ticket to do as you please. I think they are faling to understand that using the picture isn't the problem...not asking is!

[guineapiglover4life]

Oh my! If I saw my kitty on there I would be SO MAD! The owners should sue the site! Please keep us updated!

[popcornbird]

Woah! I would be SO ticked off if I came across a website using pictures of my pets without asking. You'd think they'd at least apologize, but they're trying to make you feel guilty instead. How low can one get?

[Nomilynn]

I am totally shocked. Completely shocked! Has anyone emailed Petfinder as well? Because isn't Petfinder like a "sponsor" to that specific shelter?

My goodness.. I would be completely dismayed if someone thought they could take one of my pictures without asking. Sad that they don't even care

Edited to add: it's 7pm PST and all the pictures are still there.