We had another scratch incident in Kalamazoo today.  The MDPH sent out its
typical Kill the ferret policy statement.  PLEASE send a letter to Mr
Haveman.  He is the director, and is ultimately responsible for Stobierski's
behavior.  Here is ANOTHER letter that I recently sent to him so that you
might have a starting reference.  Please use your own style and words but
PLEASE write to him.  If he only hears from me, he'll think that it's just
some animal rights quack from Lake Orion.  FOCUS on his department.  She is
breaking the law (and has been since the legalization).  Haveman can put a
quick end to this insanity if he feels compelled.  COMPELL HIM!!!  (He was
appointed to his position by Gov.  Engler)
 
>Subject:  Dr. Stobierski is breaking the law
>Date:     Mon, 23 Jun 1997 05:37:15 -0400
>From:     Dave Les <[log in to unmask]>
>Organization:  DSI Design Studio
>To:      [log in to unmask]
>Mr. James Haveman,
>
>I am awaiting your response to my earlier questions and request to dismiss
>Dr. Mary Grace Stobierski.  I am remiss in that I failed to include my most
>important question to you.  How can your department tolerate an individual
>that exhibits a total disregard for authority, and Michigan Law?  I refer
>you to statements made in the cover letter for the Compendium of Animal
>Rabies Control 1997 from Suzanne R.  Jenkins, Chair, Compendium of Animal
>Rabies Control Committee.  This cover letter accompanied the 1997 Compendium
>and was delivered to State Public Health Veterinarians, State
>Epidemiologists, and State Animal Health Veterinarians.  From her
>"testimony" in court, Stobierski emphasized that she was the secretary for
>the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians in order to
>have the court infer her level of expertise and understanding of Compendium
>matters.  Suzanne Jenkins leaves NO ROOM for interpretation in this cover
>letter.  She states ..."Again this year, the cover memo will point out
>changes to the Compendium document as well as summarize some of the
>discussions that took place during the Compendium committee meeting." ...
>"Part III:B.6.  which deals with the management of animals other than dogs
>or cats that bite humans was expanded to help emphasize the need for a case
>by case risk analysis in each biting incident.  The list of criteria for
>consideration now includes the animal's vaccination history, current health
>status and potential for exposure to rabies, in addition to the species,
>circumstances of the bite and epidemiology of rabies in the area."
>
>..."The Committee did change some wording in the Compendium document to
>elaborate on the kind of information required to do a risk assessment when
>an animal other than a dog or cat, such as a ferret, bites a person and to
>encourage rabies vaccination of ferrets."
>
>The Hon. William Caprathe ruled in the case of Kodo the ferret in Bay County
>that the CURRENT (in this case 1997) Compendium must be followed as a matter
>of law.  That ruling was upheld in the Court of Appeals as well.  No amount
>of rhetoric or bureaucratic smoke screens can change the FACTS!
>
>FACT #1 MICHIGAN LAW REQUIRES THE STATE TO FOLLOW THE CURRENT (1997)
>COMPENDIUM.
>FACT #2 THE COMPENDIUM SPECIFIES THAT A RISK ASSESSMENT BE DONE WHEN A
>FERRET IS INVOLVED IN A BITE SITUATION!
>These facts were further clarified in Suzanne Jenkins' cover letter as
>summarized above.
>
>YOUR DEPARTMENT IS NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW!  Stobierski issued a
>policy statement which is STILL in place that states ..."When a ferret bites
>a person, we advise that the animal be immediately euthanized and tested for
>rabies regardless of its rabies vaccination status." No risk assessment;
>simply... KILL THEM ALL!
>
>I can only hope that you won't try to convince me (with an international
>audience) that the LAW is meant only for certain people!  I am awaiting your
>PERSONAL response.  I see this as a very serious matter that trancends
>animal rights.  This is a matter of Michigan Law and Order.
>
>Respectfully,
>David J. Les
>2760 Cedar Key Drive
>Lake Orion, MI 48360
>(248)391-1895
[Posted in FML issue 1982]