INTRODUCTION:
Members of the ferret community including ferret enthusiasts, ferret
shelter operators and veterinarians in the Washington, DC region have
started up an initiative called Ferret Awareness Through Education
(FATE).

As you are aware, there are consequences associated with the mass
production of ferrets by ferret mills. These consequences include the
flooding of the retail pet store market with relatively inexpensive
ferrets, and, the health effects associated with mass production, early
spaying/neutering, and early separation of kits from their mothers

The presence of inexpensive ferret kits in pet stores attracts
purchasers who may buy ferrets on impulse with little knowledge of
the commitment required to provide a lifetime of care. Because of the
health issues associated with mass production, ferrets produced by
ferret mills frequently suffer from illness, genetic defects and
increased susceptibility to chronic diseases such as adrenal disease
and insulinoma.

The downstream effect of all of this directly impacts ferrets, their
owners, and, ultimately, privately run nonprofit ferret shelters and
municipal animal control facilities and shelters. Ferret owners and
shelter directors are faced with enormous costs to treat illnesses and
perform life-saving surgeries. Ferrets suffer needlessly.

Those of you reading this are already cognizant that we have an ongoing
crisis. This crisis has been growing for decades and is now at an
all-time high. The FATE initiative is aimed at promoting awareness to
the urgency of the situation. We ask that all ferret enthusiasts and
all U.S and Canadian shelters and rescues participate by taking the
Ferret Awareness Through Education (FATE) survey.

SURVEY LINKS:

Ferret Enthusiasts:
<https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FATE_FerretAwarenessThroughEducation_FerretEnthusiasts>

Ferret Shelters/Organizations
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FerretAwarenessThroughEducation

[Posted in FML 8039]