FERRET-SEARCH@LISTSERV.FERRETMAILINGLIST.ORG
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Mon, 16 Oct 2000 21:46:10 -0700 |
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>They [the Cole's] are a wonderful addition to the ferret community in my
>estimation. Did I say they had gorgeous ferrets?
Gorgeous ferrets does *NOT* equal humane treatment of ferrets! A beautiful
coat or unusual markings does not mean that the ferrets had tender, loving
care. (That is not a statement about the Cole's!)
Several other people and I have seen pictures and heard a first hand
account of the living conditions for those Two Pole ferrets. Ferrets
deserve better.
>Unfortunately from the last time we saw any of Charlie's ferrets there
>should be quite a sizable cull of the breeding stock. There were quite
>a few problems with the ones we saw.
I have 2 Two Pole ferrets. One ferret was originally intended for breeding
stock and the other was culled breeding stock. One has a beautiful, soft,
luxurious coat while the other has unusual markings. I adopted both of
them from a "shelter" that took in surplus ferrets from Two Pole. But
both ferrets developed severe health problems at a younger age than any
of my other ferrets.
So yes, Anonymous - I share your concern in a big way. Doesn't more
ferrets = more ferrets in shelters? How is keeping that many breeding
ferrets any better than the vilified Marshall Farms? While they may not
euthanize ferrets at 3 years of age, will they be kept as anything but a
source of revenue?
There simply aren't enough hours in a day to give those ferrets the life
they deserve. Ask any true shelter operator.
I hope all of you in or near Tennessee will not let down the ferret
community like those of us in Oregon have. I hope you will guide the
Cole's to be sure that they focus on the health *and* well-being (mental
and physical) of the ferrets in addition to a pretty coat. Please
encourage them in the right direction and be sure that they run a
"busyness" not just a "business".
-Carla
[Posted in FML issue 3208]
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