This from a friend, Debbie Scott, co-chair of the Tristate Ferret
Connection:
 
Ferrets are sent to shelters to be adopted for many reasons.  The ferret
is very seldom a problem animal and most often it is a problem with the
owner or a landlord-tenant disagreement.  In reality, ferrets taken to
shelters are a sign, though, of owner concern for the animal.  Adoptive
ferrets are usually very docile and loving creatrues and may indeed be
less trouble than a baby ferret or a pet store purchase.
[Posted in FML issue 1185]