Hi FML readers!
In my years of being on the FML I have noticed one thing repeat itself
over and over and over again.  That one thing is -- that folks refer to
ferrets as domestic..  Well THEY ARE NOT-
 
The term domestic pertains to agricultural or food animals ( cows, sheep,
oxen) .  Ferrets are neither (not since the 1800's or so when they were
working animals for pest control purposes anyway).  Unless any of you
know folks raising ferrets to cook in a pot PLEASE ditch this term!
 
The proper term is domesticated.  Dogs are domesticated, cats are
domesticated and ferrets are domesticated.  We have taught them to be
companion animals , provide food for them so they need not hunt to survive
etc.  Bringing the ferret on equal terms with the established cat/ dog
populous can do no harm and we can hope it will do some good!
 
Perhaps in letters to politicians and wildlife people we could use the
term domesticated and nix some of the confusion or reason to refer to them
as wild animals, etc.  I know when presenting to legislative sessions here
in NH - we always refer to ferrets as domesticated and we get some pretty
favorable results!
 
These are just my thoughts!
 
Alicia
shelter Mom
Ferret Wise
www.ferretwise.org
[Posted in FML issue 3630]