Hi all
 
I am writing as I got a call at the AFA office this week concerning a bad
experience with purchasing a ferret.  A vey nice lady purchased a 1 year
old ferret from a private breeder at the latest LOS show (Leesport, PA).
She was given no purchase contract or any other kind of legal transfer
of ownership, only a sheet of paper stating DOB and when the ferret was
vaccinated.  She was told the ferret was descented and spayed.  It has
since become obvious that the ferret is not descented and her spay status
is now in question.  The new owner contacted the breeder several times
and when she did get a response the breeder "wasn't sure" if the ferret
had been spayed or not.  No ADV testing records were provided and no
mention was even made of ADV.  The new owner is feeling very "taken"
at the moment and wants to try and prevent anyone else from making the
mistakes she made.  The moral of the story is to always check out a
breeder before purchasing a ferret, be sure to get a legal purchase
agreement, and make sure you are provided with proof of medical
proceedures and testing done on the ferret.  Purchasing a ferret shows
support for that breeder or shelter.  Please support the breeders (and
shelters) who are doing things right.
 
Sincerely
Tara Palaski
AFA Office
[Posted in FML issue 4955]