First let me say that I am SO uninterested in a flame war, and I see
all too many of those on this mailing list.

My response to the poor person with the dilemma of whether to find a
new home for their ferrets or risk bringing them to CA was, as all
posts are, my humble opinion. Everyone has one, they all stink.
Possibly mine included. My belief is that this person's ferrets will be
much happier with their parent, and not with some strangers they may
eventually come to trust. I hate to see beloved pets given up because
the owner just isn't willing to fight for them.

For you to say that I'm putting other people's pets at risk is also
your opinion. I am sorry that you see only the bad side of this ongoing
conflict between Californians and the DF&G. But you do, and my heart
breaks for you. I don't know anyone who has had a problem with the law
re: ferrets. I don't know any cops who have enforced that law. I do
know cops who own ferrets themselves.

As far as I know, there are no accurate numbers on how many ferrets
live in CA and don't get caught, for obvious reasons. And yes. ANY
ferrets caught are too many. But how are we supposed to get public
opinion behind us for the legalization effort if people in California
have never seen a ferret save for in the movies?

>You are giving other people the idea that ferrets are okay to take out
>in public.

Firstly, I don't take them out often. It's a special treat, maybe four
times a year. Maybe. I don't give out my full name, nor the city I live
in. And I never let people touch the one that sometimes bites when she
gets overexcited. Ever.

Whenever I *do* take my ferrets out, I give a lesson. I tell people
they're illegal. I tell them how dangerous it is. I tell people there's
an effort to get them legalized, and to write their representatives. I
am a reasonably intelligent person, and I take all precautions to
ensure the safety of my ferrets and the people they meet. I know you
don't know me, so I'm trying not to take offense to your statement.

>Melissa, let's pretend someone that *hates* ferrets sees you out and
>about with yours. What's to prevent someone from following you home,
>then making a report.

People with irrational hatred, in my experience, are not stealthy. They
approach you and scream and make a scene, or they glare daggers at you
and behave strangely. I'd say I'd be on the lookout for a tail at that
point, and tailing without being noticed is a bit unrealistic for your
average Joe, especially in Los Angeles traffic. I watch people's
reactions when I have my ferrets out. If I see someone who rubs me the
wrong way, or who is reacting with anything less than abject joy at
the sight of them, I leave. And I watch them closely.

But, to humor you, let's say they do follow me home and do file a
report. The police come to investigate.

Know your rights. You don't have to let the police in without a
warrant. You also, if I remember correctly, have the right to have
an attorney look over the warrant prior to allowing entry. If they
come without one, tell them to come back and (duh) move your ferrets.
In my experience, police agencies in the metropolitan areas have
better things to do than follow up tips on people owning ferrets.
Unfortunately I don't know the likelihood of the police getting a
warrant prior to their first visit to your home based solely off
of a tip.

So, to the person who was moving to CA, if you're still following this:

1. Take logical precautions: don't tell your landlord about your
ferrets, or your neighbors. Screen their visitors carefully. Screen
your vet carefully. There are some awesome ones available - go to one
of those.

2. Don't panic.

3. Know your rights re: the police and warrants.

4. Take all advice, including mine, with a grain of salt. We all
provide it out of the goodness of our hearts, but we don't know you or
your situation. So look in your own heart and your own mind, and make
your own decision.

My best to you and your wee ones,

- Melissa

[Posted in FML 5542]