Just to bring everyone up to date on House Bill 295 (the Ferret Bill).  As
of this writing, we are STILL in the Senate Ways and Means Committee.
 
The Mass Friends Group has asked for a meeting with Senator Birmingham.  We
are waiting for their answer.
 
Last Friday, Oct 20th, Mr. Adler's shows topic was "Stupid Laws".  Thinking
fast, I called the radio station and got on the air.  During the broadcast,
Mr. Adler seemed to have quite an interest in this issue and asked for more
information.  We gave off air phone numbers and sent him via fax all of our
information regarding ferrets and this bill.
 
On Friday the 27th, I was asked to be a guest on Mr. Adlers show.  It was
simulcast on Channel 68, WABU, and AM680 WRKO in Boston.  We shared the
hour with a woman who lives in Canton who is having problems keeping her
pot bellied pig and a Rep. in Maine who is trying to get a law passed.
 
I'd like to thank all of you who caught the show and called in to show your
support.  Even recognized a few of the voices.
 
A guest on the show, Bob Katzen, is a publisher of the Beacon Hill Rollcall.
This publication is done weekly on the goings on in our legislature.  Mr.
Katzen also expressed an interest in "ferreting" out why we've been in the
same committe since May 15th.
 
The only negative call came from a gentleman who represented the pet store
lobby.  I know who he is and spoke at length with him on Saturday.  It seems
like the pet store industry still feels they are being "singled" out because
if this present bill passes, it will exclude the sale of them in stores.  I
spoke to him about our side of the argument, citing that the owners right
now are being "singled out" and also that the Veterinarians are being
"singled out".  He suggested a meeting with the MSPCA, the Fish & Game, and
the Ferret Owners.  I told him to set it up and we'd be there.
Unfortunately, if the pet store industry does try to put an amended version
of this bill thru which would allow them to be sold in stores, the MSPCA
will back off from any support.  Without the MSPCA, we will not pass this
year.  I told this gentleman that if they do anything to compromise this
bill, we as the owners would not be able to support him.  (Remember, these
sames stores are selling you the ferret products you need now).
 
I had the honor of meeting Mr. Katzen on Sunday afternoon.  I handed him
two info packs (including a couple of issues of Modern Ferret Magazine
(Thanks Mary) and also a couple of 1995 Ferret Calendars that we had (Thanks
Jean).  Mr Katzen promised to get back to us this week with his report.
 
Next up is we're trying to get on network news.  We are working with a local
news station right now and am waiting for an answer from them.
 
Will keep everyone updated.
 
Sharon Burbine,
Mass Friends of the Domestic Ferret Group
[Posted in FML issue 1363]