>From:    alphachi <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: A VERY LONG BUT VERY COMPLETE MARSHALL CAMPAIGN(finally)the time
>         for arguing is over.
 
Now we can re-enter the discussion.  The goals are good.  Some seem
impractical but can be discussed.  Sharing the costs with them will probably
be necessary.  Getting a comittment from the rival ranches would be good if
not necessary.  Perhaps the ranches can actually form a "trade organization"
specifically for ferrets to handle this.  We can not talk about the
viability of this but this organization could assist the ferret ranches in
other ways such as dealing with varying state regulations and all as well.
We'd recommend though making a ferret trade organization a priority to US
the consumers as it will allow one front for interactions between the ferret
owners and the professional ferret breeders.  This should probably not
involve the small time hobby breeders though as they should be "controlled"
differently.  If we can get past the "politics" we can acheive this.
 
>1) MF should create a fund to further medical studies regarding genetic
>risks of closed colony breeders and ascertain if early fixing, shipping,
>etc.  have a negative impact on ferret health.
 
MF will need our help on this.  Some will have to come from us.  The fund is
only an early step.  How can it be studied is a big step.
 
>2) Get the true numbers of exterminated breeder ferrets and reduce this
>number markedly by various methods,
 
Practicality is brought back in here.  This is something we all agree
including MF but it will not be an instant "fix".  Doubt the higher prices
for fewer ferretsw ill fly since MF does nt operate in vaccuum.  They have
competition.
 
>3) Marshall to create a fund for approved shelters for the housing and
>handling of their excess breeders AND wayward ferrets.
 
Here we will have to deal with the shelters that are highly political.
Again though it should be ALL ferret ranches as well.
 
>4) Marshall to improve ferret documentation and enforce practices that will
>help insure their proper distribution.  [...]
>5) Marshall to develop either a more viable tattoo marking, and to register
>this marking as a protected trademark,
 
Full agreement - but if we can "help" suggest wayys this might be more
attainable.
 
>6) Marshall to permit inspections by an agreed upon veterinarian andferret
>specialist 3X a year and that these reports will be public domain.  Costs
>borne by MF and participating shelters.
 
A technical note.  "Ferret specialist" is a common term not a "real" one in
the veterinary profession.  Ferret is not one of the recognized specialties.
But we probably all agree with what is meant.  A vet that sees and treats a
lot of ferrets and hopefully one that attends the various ferret oriented
vet conferences...
 
Although there will likely be strong disagreement here... individual
shelters should not be the ones involved.  I'd suggest the AFA.  This more
closely matches the AKC type involvment - although the AKC has NOT been
stellar in this role to date.  We keep hearing how busy most shelters are
which implies they can not afford the time to handle these duties.  It would
also be impractical to have every group which claims to be a National Group
involved.  Some are Mom and Pop operations operating out of the spare
bed-room.  Some have shown extreme prejudice on this issue.  We'd recommend
sticking with the largest most professional of the groups.
 
>We need to keep in mind that Marshall is entitled to a reasonable profit
>and should be allowed to conduct a successful business within ethical
>standards.
 
Yes.  They are largely responsible for "our" (the FML's) existance so we
should be grateful and allow them to continue to exist.
 
Hopefully we can expect "negotiating room" for both sides will be expected.
 
bill and diane killian
zen and the art of ferrets
http://www.zenferret.com/
mailto:[log in to unmask]
[Posted in FML issue 2010]