> From:   [log in to unmask]
> Date:   Sun, 11 Jul 1993 05:05:47 -0400
> Subject: HEY EVERYONE!
 
Welcome to the FML, Jason!
 
>         On ferret proofing, one place I've never seen anyone mention is the
> kitchen cabinets, specifically, the space between the floor and the cabinets
> which is usually open enough for a pet store ferret to climb through.  My dad
> puts screen wire down there, but most people don't.  Fortunately, there is no
> poison or anything down there (not that these guys would eat it anyway, being
> as picky as they are!).  :-)
 
Jason,
 
I've talked about this on CompuServe, which has a higher percentage of
"newbie" ferret owners than the FML.  Checking the kick space under the
kitchen cabinets is a must on the ferret-proofing list, IMO.  Ours ignored
the cabinets for years, and then Molly discovered how to open the cabinets
and taught all the others.  We started finding ferrets sleeping in our
pots and pans, etc., till we put child-proof latches on the doors.  (no
handles on our cabinets to tie together, so we had to install latches)
That's when they discovered the access through the kick space!  Rather
than screen wire, we purchased several feet of unfinished wooden molding,
which was the perfect width to fit over these openings, cut it down to
fit, and nailed it into place.  Worked like a charm.
 
>         A friend of mine works at the local newspaper and gets me the heavy
> duty cardboard tubes that are the centers of rolls of newsprint.  They're
> *great* ferret toys and are completely chew proof.
 
Sounds intriguing.  I'll get back to you on this.
>
>         Anyway, enjoy the summer!  Take 'em crawlin'!
 
> Date:   Sun, 11 Jul 1993 16:22:52 -0400
> From:   Anonymous Poster <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: ferrets in Calif.
>
> What is the status of ferrets in California and what is the current
> delay?  I own a ferret and live in the SF bay area and need to know
> what I can do to help legalize ferrets (without having the Fish and
> Game feds at my door looking for my pets).  My biggest concern is that
> every time I move I have to find a new vet, most of which won't even
> talk to me and those that do help, do it very reluctantly
> (even though they advertise they treat exotic mammals).
 
Anon,
 
What you should do is get in contact with the California Domestic Ferret
Association, P.O. Box 1868, Healdsburg, CA 95448, phone 707-431-2277.
Attorney Bill Phillips heads this group, and would be your prime source
for info on the California case.  Donations to help defray the CDFA's
expenses are always welcome.  I understand that the Sunday LA Times has an
article about the ferret legalization effort.  (If anyone has a copy, I'd
LOVE to see it!)
 
> One last question,  we're planning on getting a second ferret in the
> next month or so and would like to adopt.  Are there any shelters in
> Nevada (the Reno/ Lake Tahoe area perferably)?  From what I've seen,
> the chance there is a shelter in that area are slim, but I thought I'd ask.
 
I think there are shelters in Nevada, but would have to double-check, as I
don't have any info at hand at the moment.
 
> Date:   Sun, 11 Jul 1993 21:31:17 -0400
> From:   Geri Weitzman <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject:      Re: Ferret List Issue 516
>
> Hi folks,
>
> Re: Ferrets in NYC -
>
> You can now get a license to own and breed ferrets in NYC. I don't know if
> this extends to selling them. When you send away for the license, the
> application form still has on it (at least, as of a few months back) the
> outdated no-NYC rule, but include a note saying that you understand the law
> has been changed when you send in your 10-dollar check and they won't hassle
> you, they'll send you the license without question.
 
Geri,
 
Thanks for the info!  What does this mean as far as the court case
of a few months back?
 
> From:   [log in to unmask] (Paul Dennis Engle)
> Subject: Houston is a FFZ!
> Date:   Sun, 11 Jul 1993 22:59:38 -0400
>
>   Well, we just took our little girl to the vet Saturday for her shots.
> When we got there the vet told us two bits of upsetting news.  First,
> Texas considers ferrets as wild animals; therefore, they can't get a
> rabies shot.  Apparently it's illegal to give a rabies shot to a wild
> animal.  At least we could still get her a distemper shot.  Then the vet
> proceeded to tell us that it is illegal to even own a ferret in Harris
> County (which is mostly Houston, with a few scattered suburbs).  In their
 
This is really an interesting tidbit, and sounds like a job for the
Houston Ferret Association -- anybody heard from Craig Hopkins lately?
Have you been to this vet before, btw?
 
> infinite wisdom, the powers-that-be will give a license to pet stores to
> *sell* ferrets, but you can't *own* them.  Go figure.
 
Nobody ever said politicians or state officials had to be *logical* about
ferret policy. (sarcastic grin)
 
> I'm not sure what needs
> to be done to fight this, so any advice would be appreciated.  If anyone
> knows of a ferret shelter in the area, that would help, too.  I'm really
> angry and want to do something about it.
 
Paul, I'll get you some contact names ASAP.  I'm sure others will chime in
on this, too.
 
Katie, Jeff, Bandit, Molly, Charlie, Pogo & Sigmund
---------------------
Small Mammals Section Leader/CompuServe Pets Forum
Internet: [log in to unmask]  CIS: 71257,3153
 
[Posted in FML issue 0518]