RE: Minnesota Ferrets
 
I really wish I had more info on this, but I've as yet been unable to 'pin
down' the culprits in this scary situation. Most pets shops are reluctant to
name their sources in such matters. A couple have told me that, after seeing
several of the ferrets purchased from one Minnesota ferretry (Actually, they
referred to it as a "FUR FARM") that were not properly spayed (they had to
 refund
the cost of subsequent spay operations under their 'health guarantees' which
in all cases were higher that what THEY had paid for the ferrets initially.)
they have decided either to stop carrying ferrets altogether (yay) or to get
them from Marshall Farms. (Marshall Ferrets fare better in the spay/neuter
 area.)
The ones that have stopped altogether now sport banners advising ferret-seekers
to adopt from the GCFA shelter. Other GCFA info is now in place at these
 outlets.
I once saw an ad from one of these "FUR FARMS" they advertised everything from
bear cubs to bobcats. Ferret kits (neutered and descented) were sold  for only
 $20 each.
(Gee with a 700% markup, it's no wonder some places are reluctant to stop
 selling them.)
Finally, I'm glad to see that New York is at last getting wise to the financial
 rewards (increased revenues from sales taxes) of legalizing ferrets w/o
 permits.
Roger McMillian
   [ack... my sig file has fleas]...
 
[Posted in FML issue 0856]