FIGHT BACK
 
On July 15, 1995, a new ferret rights organization, FIGHT BACK, will launch
its first campaign.  This campaign will take the form of a national boycott
directed against the national television network CBS, and specifically its
morning program, CBS This Morning.  This boycott will be targeting the
National Advertisers of the CBS This Morning program.  Only the national
advertisers and network will be affected.  Local network affiliates and
advertisers will be exempt from this boycott.
 
On Tuesday, May 31, 1995, CBS This Morning consumer reporter Hattie Kauffman,
produced and aired a segment on the domestic ferret legalization efforts in
the state of California.  In this segment, Ms. Kauffman claimed to utilize
the opinion of an "outside organization", the Humane Society of the United
States (HSUS) to help determine if domestic ferrets make good pets.  A
representative of the HSUS was permitted to make erroneous statements
relating to ferrets, including such bogus claims as "ferrets that escape into
surburbian or rural settings do pose a real danger to small mammals and
birds."  There has never been any research to substantiate these claims,
while there have been studies which refute them.  Additionally, the claim by
Ms. Kauffman that the HSUS is an outside source of reasonable opinion in this
debate is ludicrous in FIGHT BACK's opinion, as the HSUS and its affiliates
receive government funding, and the government of the state of California is
the main opponent to ferret legalization efforts there.
 
Ms. Kauffman and the CBS network have been contacted both verbally by phone,
and in writing, and given the opportunity to correct their prejudicial
coverage.  They have so far refused.  We urge all ferret owners, shelters,
breeders, and groups interested in the fair treatment of animals to join in
the boycott we are initiating and giving their unqualified support.
 
For information contact:
 
FIGHT BACK, c/o Katie Sweeney
PO Box 25841
Greenville, SC 29616
 
====================
 
This is posted as a favor to Katie Sweeney, and does not constitute an
endorsement by STAR* Ferrets, though Pam Grant hopes you all will _also_
write the HSUS and tell them just what you think...
 
It is never too late to make a statement!
 
Write to:
 
Paul Irwin, president
(e-mail:  [log in to unmask])
Rachel Lamb, companion animals
(e-mail:  [log in to unmask])
Humane Society of the United States
2100 L Street N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20037
tel 202-452-1100
fax 202-778-6132
 
Let the HSUS know that they will not be receiving a contribution from you.
Send them photos of ferrets with children and babies.
[Posted in FML issue 1241]