In response to V. McKinney's post -
>Just because one person does not agree with something another individual
>is doing does not necessarily make that person s actions wrong or in this
>case abusive.
 
Nor does it make it right or not abusive.  I'm an advocate for speaking out
for animals.  Many people would rather look the other way or don't believe
that anything will be done so they don't say anything.  I've worked animal
rescue/welfare issues for many years.  In our organization, one complaint
warrants an investigation.  This is for the safety of the ferrets.  I'd
rather pursue the case and be wrong than to not pursue it and have a ferret
suffer for my negligence.  Kathy has a professional background in animal
welfare and her post warranted concern in my opinion as well as many
others.
 
You stated you were not privy to the incident so as far as what I and the
others are responding to, we are all in the same boat in a sense - we
didn't see the incident and are voicing concerns due to what we are told.
 
The issue as I see it, is that something questionable happened and it
needed to be addressed fairly.  I hope that if others saw the action that
they will voice their concerns/opinions to you, either way.
 
>Fact #2: Of all the people at the breeder s table, the people looking at
>the ferret in question, only one person, out of all those around, saw
>this disciplinary action as abusive.
 
Do we know that?  What we do know is that one person complained.  I'm not
a mind reader and do not view non-vocalization as proof of agreeing to
something.
 
>If Kathy thought the action was obviously flagrant disciplinary abuse,
>wouldn t the other people around at that time have considered the same
>and reported it?
 
Not necessarily.  Just because no one else complained doesn't mean they may
not have viewed it as abuse.  Some people would rather look the other way
rather than voice their concern for fear of retaliation or ostracism, or
sometimes they may not know much about ferrets or how to handle them.  In
any public setting it is important to set a good example for others to
follow.  What might be considered acceptable to someone who has experience
with ferrets, could be dangerous to a ferret in the hands of an
inexperienced handler.  Children are very impressionable and at some ages
they try to imitate other's actions.  These actions could have detrimental
results.
 
>Fact #4: The persecution of a different breeder was not at an AFA show,
>despite the allegations outlined in Ms. Eckert s post.
 
I gracefully accept admonition and apologize for my error in suggesting
this was an AFA affair.  Oh, and feel free to call me Troy Lynn, tle,
sprite, or whatever within reason, if you'd like.  I'm a down-to-earth
friendly person.
 
>Others feel the need to voice their concerns in a public forum
>even when they were not present and have no clue as to what really
>happened.
 
Guilty as charged, although we do have a bit of a clue from Kathy's post.
She voiced her concern for an action she considered abusive and went on
to describe the action.  There are many things we voice opinions on even
though we do not have a 'clue'.  Voting comes to mind as one.  And I'll
continue to speak out and to encourage others to speak out as well.  The
more support people have, the more likely they are to speak out when they
do see something that concerns them.  Too many times people keep their
mouths shut (or fingers off the keyboard) because they are afraid of
getting flamed.  Each of us has a right to voice our opinion whether
someone else agrees with it or not.
 
>If you really want to make a difference in the ferret world, then please
>volunteer for the AFA.
 
I must say that this statement ruffled my fur.  There are many many
organizations, clubs, shelters, individuals, etc. working to make this a
better world for ferrets.  Volunteering for the AFA is not the only way
to make a difference.  Look in your own backyard for ways to make a
difference.  I can't count the hours I've put into ferret work nor the
expense involved.  I'm not alone either.  Many of us work diligently to
make the world a better place for ferrets - our rewards are found in the
positive results of our work.  No monetary gratification.  Of course there
are many heartbreaks along the way but we keep chugging along.  You may not
hear much about our efforts but please know that we are here doing our very
best to help ferrets.  Those that work behind the scenes are often times
forgotten but much of what goes on out front can't with the help of the
others.
 
I hope this response is taken in the manner it is given, discussing a
current issue.  I fully understand and accept that we are not all of
like opinions.  No flames are intended towards anyone or any organization.
 
Warm hugs to all. tle
Troy Lynn Eckart
Ferret Family Services
http://www-personal.ksu.edu/~sprite/ffs.html
http://www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/Haven/5481/
Please sign up to support our charity
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[Posted in FML issue 3006]