The problem with ferret over-population is not as dire as you paint.  I am
not aware of ANY ferret shelter that routinely euthanizes ferrets because
the shelter is too full, which routinely happens to un-adoptable dogs and
cats.
 
If you start pushing for legislation that covers the average owner or even
creates special licenseing of pet stores, you run the risk, by admission,
that there is something wierd and exotic about ferret ownership that
requires them to be regulated differently from other animals.  If you
wanted to push for a universal pet onwership "drivers" license, that would
cover all animals, it would have broader appeal and a universal fairness
that might help all species, not just the beloved ferret.  I suspect, that
there is NO political will amoung pet owners to give up their rights to
own and do as they choose with their pets.  Some people argue that the
same requirement for licensing and education should also exist for having
children.
 
The real problem, even if such legal requirements were in place, is what
happens to the pet of an unlicensed owner?  It would ultimately be taken
away - to a shelter!!!
 
I think the real solution is to control the breeding population.  It
is VERY reasonable to require a PER PET breeder license to own ANY
non-neutered (breeding capabile) pet.  I believe that ALL pet ownership
and sales should require proof of either neutering or a breeding license
for that pet.  A per pet breeder license should cost as much, or more than
the cost of a neutering per animal!
 
If it is cheeper to buy a neutered animal, then most people would opt for a
non-breeding pet.  This would do more than education or ownership licensing
could do alone.  The fee raised for each breeding animal, could be used
to support education programs, help to support shelter operations and pet
adoptions, and even possibly, help people with veterinary care expenses.
 
The logic is simple, if you want to control population, then control
breeding.  If the current voluntary systems are ineffective, find a
manditory one that is fair, easy to administer and enforce and directly
achieves the desired result.
[Posted in FML issue 3425]