The issue of untested and unvaccinated ferrets being transported from
one shelter to another has already been asked and answered in the
ferret-community's response to the Ohio rescue last fall. As a shelter
on the receiving end of the Florida ferret relocation, we wereadvised
of the condition and medical needs of these ferrets prior to our
acceptance of these ferrets. Their anticipated arrival and associated
risks have already been accepted and, for our shelter's part,
arrangements for quarantine and medical evaluation/treatment have
already been made. Just as it was for the Ohio ferrets that found
their way to us. Again, we were only to happy to help.

I consider the plight of the Broward County Ferret Shelter to be no
less than an emergency. We have the room and we were happy to help
with their considerable overcrowding. But to make a blanket statement
about these folks being irresponsible for transporting untested and
unvaccinated ferrets to other shelters is, in my opinion, without
merit. I was not a member of the FML last fall when the Ohio rescue and
relocation program was on-going, but I don't remember these issues
being a problem at that time. Perhaps it was for some, but obviously
not for many, as these ferrets found their way out of Ohio to all parts
of the United States - many to ferret shelters and rescues by way of
private transport.

I understand that some may not want to participate in this relocation
process due to the medical status of the ferrets - and that is your
choice. However, I would urge others to consider helping out this
shelter relocate these ferrets as time may run out for the ferrets
who are waiting to get into this very overcrowded shelter.

Maren Doshier
Founder/President Raisins From Heaven Ferret Rescue & Sanctuary
Hernando, MS

[Posted in FML 6161]