If someone turns you in for having a ferret, their name is not likely to
appear on the search warrent.
 
The person reporting you can be considered an informant, and as such does
not have to be revealed to you.
 
The complaining party and your accuser will be the Dept.  of Fish & Game.
The complaint will be either F&G vs.  YOU or F&G vs.  Contraband (the
ferret).
 
Here are somethings to consider if animal control, F&G, or someother agency
shows up on your door step looking for your ferret:
 
1) Do not open your door until they show a warrant.  Officers have been know
to use the fact that you opened your door as implied consent to come in.
Once your door is open they can use any number of technical reasons to come
in, such as claiming they could see your ferret or evidence of a ferret.
Even if the reason is legally invalid they can still seize your ferret.  Do
not let yourself be intimidated or manipulated.  They may try to insist on
you opening the door by sweet talking or threats.  But without a search or
arrest warrent you do not even have to talk to them.
 
2) Lying is as bad as telling the truth.  If they ask you if you have
ferrets and you say no, and they later come back with a warrant you can face
additional charges for lying to a peace officer (even though it is perfectly
legal for the police to lie to you).  If they do not have a warrant, tell
them you'll have to talk to your attorney before you answer any questions,
could you please come back later.
 
3) If you suspect that a nasty neighbor has ratted on you, BE PARANIOD.  The
person at your door could be undercover, they may claim to be a pollster,
salesperson, or delivery person.  Generally asking for company ID may help,
but the police can also used forged ID's.  Unlikely, but F&G has spent as
much as $40,000 to catch one ferret.
 
4) If they do have a warrant, you have no choice but to open up.  Any sort
of resistance or obstruction can get you arrested, and will be it much
harder to get your ferret rescued and moved out of state.
 
Brad and his Hellionator - Pixel aka Weasel Women.
[Posted in FML issue 1551]