Everyone--
        I know you've all been waiting anxiously for news of the
McDowells and their case.  I had seen nothing more in my E-mail about
it, so I called them tonight.  I only got to talk to Rita briefly, so
I didn't get all the answers that I would have liked to had, but I do
have some good news!  Today was their final hearing.  The judge ruled
that the state has no reason to seize the ferrets NOW-- the only
reason they ever had was to prevent the "victim" from undergoing the
rabies shots, but it turns out that the victim has already completed
the whole series, so the state no longer has a reason to destroy the
animals.  It was even said that if someone were to turn the animals
over to the health department or an animal control center now, that
the should be returned to the McDowells.  As far as the contempt charge
goes, Rita was found to be in contempt of court because the judge said
she was given 24 hours to produce the ferrets but failed to do so.
Rita maintains that she was served at 9AM and given until 3PM to turn
over the ferret, but was found to be in contempt none-the-less.  The
court did NOT find Mike McDowell to be in contempt, so I'd think he
should have his job and hopefully back pay if he wants it, but I didn't
get to ask because of Rita got another call that was very important.
      Now the crisis has passed, but the McDowells still have a $4000
attorney bill to pay, and they don't have a large income.  They had
asked their lawyer about pushing for official state action to legally
recognize ferrets as domestic animals, but he said he'd do it for
another $4000.  So they intend to try on their own through their
representatives with the weight of all the recent publicity to back
them up.  We should all really appreciate what these people have done
for us and our ferrets by not being afraid to stand up to the system
and say, "NO!  You can't kill my companion ferret to satisfy your
unreasonable, unfounded rabies scare tactics!"  They could use our
support and thanks at this time.  If you can spare even a couple of
dollars, please consider contributing to the McDowell's defense fund.
Send your donations to:
                          Mike and Rita McDowell
                          Legal Defense Fund
                          109 West Fourth
                          Onaga, KS  66521
 
Thanks to everyone who has voiced their interest and support, and most
especially to those who gave monetary support as well!
 
 
                   Debra
 
Debra
 
[Posted in FML issue 0690]