Hi list readers,
 
Are their animal welfare advocates out there?
 
In postings I keep reading the same questions over and over, I also keep
hearing those asking if the manufactured (mill generated for retail
profit) - prematurely altered ferrets which succumb to so many illnesses
are actually good pets.  What WE as ferret friends and caretakers can do
to counter or sway the bombardment of pet retail with these early alter
ferrets are:
 
1. Finding out what state or local body governs retail pet operations and
getting the contact information in line IN CASE you have a legitimate
complaint to file.
 
2- Writing letters to local chain and pet shops asking them PLEASE NOT to
STOCK the new early altered ferrets or early alter Peter's Rabbits would
be nice!  If you are associated with any ferret or bunny rescues they can
give you reasons to state why these readily available animals do NOT need
retail promotion.
 
3- WRITE LETTERS TO THE EDITORS in all local newspapers-- Remind folks
that animals are not and should not be used as gifts Birthdays,
Christmas,or other holidays are not the time to surprise a person with a
living gift.  ESPECIALLY when they do not know HOW to care for them, or
they do not reside in a animal friendly location.  Remind the readers of
the papers you write to that a wise choice is bringing home pets is when
they are consciously adopted through animal shelters - on Holidays or
any day!  A gift certificate for a shelter adoption is always a better
investment than retail purchasing.
 
4- PET SHOP INTERVENTION -You can try to dissuade shoppers - tactfully,
at pet shops by offering advice and your experiences with the early alter
ferrets-- how many shoppers will be excited to hear the costs of adrenal
& insulinoma surgeries a few years down the road?  You may not last long
but intervention at any costs is worth a try!
 
5.  Report infractions at pet retail locations .  Pets without food or
water, pets left in dirty cages, pets appearing ill, unattended.
Document all the information in a notebook including the following:
 
A. Date of observance - visitation
B. Name of Location
C. Address
D. Names: of attendants on duty
E. A full report - accounting  of circumstances which prompted your
   report.
F. Be aware that if this report is followed up or acted upon you may well
   be called to submit testimony at a hearing.
 
This is where the information on which department oversees pet retail in
your area will make a difference.  You WANT to report these infractions
to the same office that the pet shop pays their license fee, that is who
will determine enforcement regulations.
 
Enforcement of pet shop negligence will help in the end educate the
caretakers, employees, managers and the chains who govern the store
policies.  It is a lot of work- and seemingly takes too long-- BUT
without action things do not change, however they may get worse!
 
6 - START NOW - to amass support in your local state for abolishment of
early age of sale -- get a minimal an 8 week law - determined by canine
eruption- on the way.
 
UNLESS we get intervention from USDA -- it is up to us to start the
process- let local legislators know early alter pets ( ie ferrets &
rabbits) are unwise in consumer protection - as they generate high
veterinary expense and poor health to the animal.  We have managed to
get 8 weeks age of sale in 2 states nationally-- lets go for more-- then
more states that enact the regulations will demonstrate to USDA there IS
A NEED!
 
THE MAIN PROBLEM REMAINS - If one company starts this tasteless marketing
( AND IT HAS) the problem is more competitors will follow -- none of them
want to lose any profits.... History has shown this to be the case with
ferrets -- I can barely remember when ferrets were sold at 12 weeks of
age with a 10 week neuter--- then it was common for ferrets to live to 9
1/2 years.... not so now.
 
WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER SO - lets step up and take efforts for THE
ANIMALS!
 
Alicia Drakiotes
IFC Education Coordinator
www.ferretcongress.org
[Posted in FML issue 4621]