It is with great sadness that I tell you all that despite our best efforts,
the three NJ ferrets have been destroyed.  Apparently the Plaintiff had the
ferrets at a vet's office, and he ordered the vet to destroy these animals
as soon as he learned that there might be a Stay ordered by the Governor.
 
The sickening part of this whole story is that the Plaintiff is already a
ferret owner, in fact he has at least one in his possession at this time.
 
The biting incident took place on or about May 29th, meaning two things.
First, if these animals were rabid, they would have been dead by now.
Secondly, the series of shots one must receive following a bite to prevent
rabies must be started within 7 days of the contact or bite.  It's too late
to start now, even if these pathology report were to indicate rabies (which
it surely won't).  One thing which was suggested to me by someone who will
remain anonymous was that it is hoped that the vet who destroyed the babies
did not inject them with the virus in order to skew the path report.  I am
hoping that this vet is more ethical than that.
 
One correction I must make.  Earlier I stated that Matt was the shelter
operator.  I misspoke.  The shelter operator is actually David Revere.  Matt
is a freind of David's and they are both members of the NWNJFA.
 
Let us make the best of a bad situation.  We can continue the momentum we
have now in order to make the public aware of the Public Health Laws.  We
can furthermore attempt to get ferrets the same status enjoyed by other
domestic animals in the State of NJ.  We can continue to dessimate
information and education, and perhaps help in the CA crusade.  Please
continue to e-mail and fax and call Governor Whitman's office regarding your
feelings of the handling of this case.
 
Thank you for all of your help in this matter.
 
-Mrs. Duck
[Posted in FML issue 1598]