Here is the latest information I've received about the proposed New York
bill on ferrets, removing licensing requirements.
 
Katie Fritz
Small Mammals Section Co-Leader, CompuServe Pets/Animal Forum (GO PETSFORU)
Internet: [log in to unmask]  CIS: 71257,3153
 
--- Forwarded Message ---
 
 #: 400 S0/CompuServe Mail  [MAIL]
     09-Jun-94 06:59 EDT
 Sb: Message resent
 Fm: Steven Markowitz [72072,3533]
 
 
Katie -
 
I pulled this back off the forum for you.  Please do forward it to FML.
 
Message: #728314, S/11  Small Mammals
Date:    Wed, Jun 8, 1994 7:07:22 PM
Subject: NYS Ferret Legislation
From:    Steven Markowitz 72072,3533
To:      all (deletable)
Reply:   #728512 (1 reply)
 
Well Sorry about the delay, but here is the bill proposed in NY to eliminate
the need to liscence ferrets.  Obviously this is a good bill and we need to
support it as best we can.  If anyone has a listing of the NY senators offices
where people can call and show support for this bill, please post it.
 
The bill s 4317/A reads as follows
 
"4317
1993-1994 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
March 30, 1993
 
Introduced by Sen. Nozzolio -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed
to be committed to the Committee on Environmental Conservation
 
AN ACT  to repeal subdivision 2 of section 11-0511 of the environmental
conservation law relating to possession of ferrets
 
The People of the State of New York, represented in senate and assembly, do
enact as follows:
1  Section 1. subdivision 2 of section 11-0511 of the environmental
conservation law is REPEALED.
S 2.  This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have
become law."
 
 
The followiing is the memorandum in support of the legislation:
 
"Sponsors:  Members of Assembly:
            Members of Senate:  Nozzolio
Introduced at the request of:  Senator Nozzolio
 
Title of Bill:
AN ACT to repeal Subdivision 2 of Section  11-0511 of the Environmental
Conservation Law relating to possession of ferrets.
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To terminate provisions of State law which require ferret owners to purchase
yearly permits from the state to own a ferret.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Subdivision 2 of Section 11-0511 of the Environmental Conservation Law is
repealed.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
A state permit requirement was implemented for ferrets during a time when these
animals were used primarily for hunting purposes.  Hunting with ferrets has
been outlawed in New York State for many years, and the animal has now
developed into a popular pet.
 
The pet ferret is a domestic animal that does not exist in the wild anywhere in
the United States.  Ferrets can live very comfortably in smaller spaces, making
them ideal pets for apartment dwellers.
 
Despite many reports, studies show that ferrets are much less likely to attack
and cause bite injuries than dogs.  Also, a rabies vaccine has been developed
that can be utilized for ferrets.
 
Since the ferret is now looked upon as a household pet and can no longer be
used for hunting purposes, it is no longer necessary or reasonable to continue
State regulations which require owners to purchase a yearly permit
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
A.988 of 1992
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
Unknown at this time.  However, a loss of some revenue to the State can be
anticipated, although some savings would be realized with the termination of
State recordkeeping concerning ferrets.
 
The State should also realize an increase in sales tax revenue from increased
sales of ferrets.  Once the licensing requirement is lifted sales should
increase 2 - 3 times.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This ACT shal take effect of the 13th day after it shal have become law."
 
Steven
 
[Posted in FML issue 0855]