In response to:
>I do not share in the joy of Alexandra getting another ferret who's
>fate is threatened to an almost certain horrible death especially
>being a young ferret who's excitement for life may cause it's death..
>The fact that she has had to share with all of us the deaths of now
>2 ferrets in her home(s) by dogs- one present when the other did the
>first killing and the second death was by the dog that got so excited
>to see the first ferret killed.
>
>THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR THIS.

Unfortunately, I would have to agree with this poster. One can only
hope that a harsh lesson has been learned and that all dogs will now be
kept away from Puma and Todd. That they be more closely monitored and
not be allowed the degree of freedom Ping had to chase chickens, etc.

Our ferrets depend on us to protect them. And the ferret community
bears a responsibility to ensure every fuzzy is not put knowingly at
risk.

It may not be a popular stance to take because we don't wish to offend,
however, ferrets' safety must always be front and centre.

People don't want to hear that they shouldn't feed their ferrets
vegetables or chocolate (even in small quantities); or not allow them
to come to harm by not being carefully supervised around other animals;
or make certain they do not harm other animals through their predatory
instincts.

The position often taken is that one has years of experience and
therefore, how dare someone point out to them that they should be
accountable for their irresponsible choices. This is not too far a
leap from thinking someone has the right to abuse a child, or batter
a partner, or treat an animal anyway they please because of some
misguided god given right to autonomy.

Its much easier to remain silent when a hoarder in Texas continues
acquiring more animals or when a popular and gifted writer loses
another fuzzy to the jaws of a dog. What right does one have to judge??
The right of social conscience and the moral obligation to intervene
when potential harm exists.

Tressie

Tressie A. Dutchyn, PhD (c)
Dalhousie University 
Research Project Coordinator
Community Health & Epidemiology 
 

[Posted in FML 6086]