We must keep up the pressure on the USDA to enact FERRET SPECIFIC
regulations, not just add overly broad amendments to overly broad
regulations.
 
Please contact Dr. Chester Gipson, 301-734-4980,
[log in to unmask], and let him know that the public has
asked the USDA to address the very specific needs of the ferret, not
just to continue to lump them in with "warmblooded animals other than
dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, nonhuman primates, and
marine mammals".
 
Did you know that the guidelines for other mammals provides no specific
temperature requirement?  No specific space requirements?  That they
must only be provided with water once every 12 hours, and food once
every 24 hours?  Did you know that "other mammals" includes such
diverse animals as horses, elephants, chinchilla and lions?
 
Please email or call NOW!  A meeting is scheduled for mid-August and
there is little time left!
 
Linda Iroff
International Ferret Congress
http://www.ferretcongress.org
[Posted in FML issue 5328]