There is a petition up at
http://www.petitiononline.com/fer8hapy/petition.html
 
The petiton reads:
 
We, the undersigned, are extremely concerned about PETsMART's decision to
test the sale of ferrets in four stores with nationwide sales possible
later in 2005.
 
PETsMART's own advertising states that they make a conscious decision to
not sell dogs and cats -- preferring instead to donate space at their
stores to local shelters for adoption purposes.
 
Perhaps PETsMART is unaware of the overwhelming number of ferrets
currently housed in the low number of shelters per state.  Unlike dog
and cat shelters, most states only have one to four shelters.  Many
shelters house and care for 100+ abandoned and often-neglected ferrets,
most needing life-long medication, surgery, or both.
 
In direct contrast to dogs and cats, ferret kits are subjected to much
more harsh treatment prior to arrival at a pet store for sale.
 
First, they are neutered between 4 to 5 weeks of age, before their eyes
are even open.
 
Second, ferret farms begin weaning ferrets at 3 to 5 weeks of age at
which time, they are prematurely separated from their mothers.
 
Third ferrets are shipped in small crates holding up to 100 ferrets.
Lacking USDA regulations covering ferrets, the kits are shipped with
two small cans containing water.  Transit can take up to 72 hours and
includes an airplane ride in the cargo hold followed by a truck ride to
the distributor or pet store.  It is a well established fact that, due
to ferrets' metabolism, it is necessary for them to be fed every 3 to 4
hours.  Obviously, this cannot happen during the transit described above.
 
Fourth, distemper vaccinations are routinely administered to the
kits prior to shipment at 5 to 6 weeks of age.  All distemper
vaccination packages and the USDA state that the proper age for distemper
vaccination -- to ensure effacy -- is 8 weeks.  Vaccinations given before
the age of 8 weeks are not efficacious and render the ferret kit
vulnerable to increased risk of contracting distemper.
 
Veterinarians are theorizing that this disturbing start in life is
contributing to seriously escalating, expensive, and life-threatening
health issues as the ferrets mature.  Not only is this treatment
inhumane, but it also presents potentially threatening consumer issues.
 
If PETsMART truly cares about the treatment and welfare of the animals it
sells and represents, and its customers, we respectfully request PETsMART
give ferrets the same consideration and care given to dogs and cats.
 
Neither condone nor contribute to this serious mistreatment of a
wonderful and innocent pet.
 
Thank you very much for your time and consideration!
 
HappyTails & HappyHearts,
Karen & the Jacksonville Jive
 @ The Bridge, Jubilee and the Scruff You Gang
http://ferretlover97.terrabox.com/HappyHeartsFerret.html
[Posted in FML issue 4694]