Hi to new ferret owners,
 
In a nutshell, legalization is tedious but worth it.
This is very general, but will give you some idea where to start.
 
First you must find your local ordinances on ferrets. This is
pretty easy-just call your shelter, they will know. If you have a
problem here- email me and I will find the answer for you.
 
Next you must figure out where your battle is, on the local or
state level. Most state fights are already waging, so lets assume
you have a local jurisdiction with an attitude.  Is it decided at
a county level, or a city level - you have to know who you are
fighting. Either way, you must nail down the ordinance, then work
with your city or county rep to change it. Every state's
cogwheels turn a little differently, but if you give me
specifics, I can probably tell you what is needed.
 
A good person to talk to right now is Karen Grant, who is pres.
of Ferret Lovers of Texas.(P.O.Box 286, Bedford TX 76095) her
club is waging a city by city war with success. (figuring how
many cities are in TX- this will take till 2000)- but she has
achieved the turn-around in local legislation which is needed.
 
Next- identify the people you have to convince to get your way.
Next- inundate them with positive ferret info-there are many of
us on this network who can send you good stuff. Keep sending till
they are willing to meet with you, (this is suit time), one or
two of you will do- if you have rescue or shelter contacts it is
a good time to bring them, don't frighten the officials by being
zealots.(drool, slobber)
 
A GREAT tactic is to challenge each city board member (or what
ever) to an afternoon with your ferrets. Bring your best kissy
faces- let them speak for themselves- this tactic has never lost
yet. Even with only one convinced board member- you will have a
winner, he will tell them how adorable ferrets are etc.- you will
have your IMRAB stuff and fact sheets- there are pleanty around -
we can send you some, (IMRAB sends beautiful stuff), and when
your change in ordinance comes up....have everyone there that you
know with ferret tees on. Invite the press. You could have it on
the first try, however in benighted jurisdictions, it sometimes
takes several go-rounds, but eventually they get tired of seeing
your face.
Town council rooms are such a fun place to be! (NOT)
 
There is a lot of work involved but we have never been defeated,
probably because we never give up!!! Weazels Forever!
 
 
[Posted in FML issue 0443]