During:
 
1. Network: share the load.
 
2. Have official presence at the seizure.  If a court case needs to be
pressed having police or governmental officials present reduces the
chance of the judge throwing out evidence or even throwing out the case.
 
3. The other organizations will have their own documentation, but if you
are involved, document everything.  It can help fill in the gaps.  Dates,
times, locations, conversations if any, to help recall if needed later.
Time has a way of deleting details.
 
4. Make sure the photos are automatically date and time stamped; this
will be needed if the case goes to court.  If there is not a date and
time stamp include a newspaper from that day in the photos; it's not
perfect but it is better than nothing.  They need to be regular photos
with negatives, not digital photographs.  Keep receipts and identifying
information on the development of the pictures.  Do not cut the negatives
so they can be put on disks, etc. later.
 
5. If you don't have regular camera use an instant camera with date
stamping if courts in your area accept those photos, but try to have a
regular camera present instead.
 
6. If you videotape, make sure that it adds the date, and keep the
camera rolling constantly so that it does not appear as if you tried to
insert your bias by skipping over something which should be considered
in court, and so that you can not be accused of altering the tape.
 
7. Be sure to note the conditions of the ferrets.  Outside organizations
involved won't always be ferret knowledgeable.  They may make an
observation about there not being food or water, but the rescuing
shelter can and needs to document such things as how many were adrenal,
insulinomic, dehydrated, and what medications, vet appointments,
surgeries, vaccinations, etc. were required.  Here again, a picture is
proof.  Mast cell tumors, urine burns, hairloss, crusted feces in fur and
on toes: things that can document if lack of care is an issue, and things
which will cost a shelter to treat or correct.  These claims should be
backed by veterinary records on hospitsl letterhead and when possible
also by dated photographs and their negatives.
 
8. Keep a good record of the costs incurred and save those receipts.
 
9. Have authorities proceed with any and all applicable investigations
and charges related to existing abuse and negligence prior to removal.
 
10. Ferrets in any suspected abuse/ negligence case should go to a
veterinarian for a documented condition report DIRECTLY after removal
from the scene of complaint.  This chain of evidence and documentation
is mandatory in cases where a judicial condition or penalty is to be
levied, as well as for compensation to the rescuers to gotten from the
abuser ( ie: compensation for veterinary care, required testing, shelter
cost reimbursement, etc.)
 
11. Have everyone involved sign the documentation, date it, and print
their names and contact information.
[Posted in FML issue 4222]