At the hearing on Jan 6, the state said it would drop the charges against
Mike and downgrade the charge against Rita to civil contempt, but they want
Rita to pay for the rabies vaccine which the "victim" is allegedly taking,
apparently starting the shots long after the incubation period had expired.
We have information that possibly indicates the shots are being given
improperly by the state. But since neither his name, medical records, or
any other information about him has been released, we cannot confirm or
deny.
 
This is a small step in the right direction: at least they won't have to
spend the weekend in the state penitentiary. LIFE is starting a massive
legal defense fund drive for the McDowells, who have already incurred more
than $4,000 in attorneys' fees (bear in mind, Mike has not been re-instated
and has been out of work since this all broke out). Troy Lynn Eckart of
Ferret Family Services in Manhattan KS took out a personal loan of $1,000
in order to pay the retainer for the lawyer, who previously won a case
against the state involving wolf hybrids. We have already gotten
considerable pledges and hopefully the checks will start rolling in to the
McDowells.
 
Think about it: these good folks, who have NOT turned their ferret over to
the butchers, do not even have the money to pay next month's rent, and they
are out there all alone fighting a battle for all of us and all our
ferrets.  This is very likely to turn into a landmark case for ferret
rights.
 
Please, please send what you can--anything will be gratefully received--to
this address: Mike and Rita McDowell, 109 West 4th, Onaga KS 66521.  And
please give them a phone call to give them some moral support.  Their
number is 913-889-7180.  Thank you very much.  Ann Davis, LIFE (League of
Independent Ferret Enthusiasts).
 
To anyone in Kansas: These are your elected Members of Congress. Call them.
Tell your family and friends to mobilize a grassroots effort supporting the
McDowells and all ferret owners by calling these numbers. Express your
outrage about the McDowell case as well as your concern for the lives of
ferrets.
 
Do this now! The time is ripe. Your Members of Congress are elected to
support the concerns of their constituents.  We will be calling on their
Washington offices on Monday (Jan. 10) with a comprehensive information
packet on the case, on the McDowells' behalf.
 
Senator Robert Dole                  Washington DC      202-224-6521
 Topeka           913-295-2745
 Wichita           316-263-4956
 Kansas City     913-371-6108
 
Senator Nancy Kassebaum         Washington DC      202-224-4774
 Topeka           913-295-2888
 Wichita           316-263-0416
 Garden City     316-276-3423
 Prairie Village  913-648-3103
 
Representative Jim Slattery 2d District Washington DC  202-225-6601
 Topeka           913-233-2503
 Pittsburgh        316-231-6040
 
Turn the tide of anti-ferret policies in your state. Protect yourselves and
your pet ferrets.
Keep the faith!
 
Kim Murray
LIFE Congressional Liaison
Washington, D.C.
 
[Posted in FML issue 0691]