'I HOPE SHE FINDS SOMEONE NICE': Free Jack Russell post sparks fierce Perth community backlash

The owner, Jess Marie Boyce, posted that she was giving the dog away because she wasn't good with cats, would be fine with younger dogs, and was good with kids.

Ms Boyce added that the dog loved her walks and came complete with bed, food, toys and clothes.

However, the reaction was swift, with the comments section quickly splitting into fiercely divided camps.

Many commenters urged Ms Boyce to contact a rescue rather than hand the dog over to a stranger.

"Please contact a shelter. Jack Russells are high energy and need a lot of time and stimulation," Kara Smith wrote, warning that without the right match the dog could end up destructive and unhappy.

Kate Em issued an even blunter warning.

"PLEASE surrender your dog to a rescue," she wrote.

"There are terrible people on this page who take free dogs and do disgusting things to them. Please."

"Do the right thing so this dog doesn't end up in a crack den."

Kylie Robinson echoed the sentiment: "Please don't give away for free, it never really ends well with free ones. Ask for a fee."

Natasha Macaulay suggested contacting reputable WA-based rescues including Desperate for Love Dog Pound Rescue, Perth Rescue Angels, K9 Rescue Group, and Dogs' Refuge Home WA.

But the pile-on also drew strong defenders of the owner.

Berenice Barnes urged empathy, writing that it may have been a tough post to make and "streams of affected sentimentality may not be where the poster's heart is at."

Sophie Fisher agreed: "Who knows what she's going through at least she's trying to give her pup another chance instead of dumping her like some do."

Veterinary worker, Suz Anne was one of the few to praise the owner directly, noting the dog appeared "well cared for" with a comfortable bed, warm jacket, good body weight and healthy demeanour.

"You've done a good job and I applaud you to know when you can't keep them," she wrote, while still urging a rescue handover.

The post also produced a standout candidate for the dog's new home, a Falcon-based retiree named Bill Gelvin, who publicly pleaded for the chance.

"I've been wanting another JR for a while. My last one Daisy passed 3 years ago at 21," he wrote.

"I'm a genuine, down to earth retired guy who is active in the garden, I own my home and I'm going nowhere."

By late Sunday, Ms Boyce appeared to have found a new home for the dog.

"I've found her a home, it's going to be sad to let her go but I have to. I will miss her," she wrote.