>From:    Troy Lynn Eckart <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Shelter/breeder or Shelter: Is this you?
 
I agree with Troy that there are places like these.  I have seen them.  In
fact, many have seen them & continue to get "beautiful" ferrets from this
place.  It amazes me.  These ferrets live in dirty, dangerous cages.  Many
of you know the "ranch" I am speaking of.  It is Doug McKay's place - a mink
& ferret breeder.  Newborn kits are allowed to fall to the poop coverd floor
below & are left to die.  A recent story in NAFA's newsleter describes a
visit to his place and an encounter with an adult ferret that says "keep in
mind this ferret had never been handled" !!
 
All of my ferrets are special to me.  Every one of them gets treated as if
they were my pet.  They all get out to play everyday & they get lots of
love!  Not to mention clean cages & bedding!  Top notch vet care with a vet
that would come 60 miles to my house in the middle of the night to help one
of my fuzzies.
 
I have seen good & bad breeders.  Please know that there are many good ones
that really do love there animals & care for them.  Maybe to help combat the
bad we need to educate about them - or educate them!  - and maybe ban their
sales?  I don't really know.  Maybe there should be some sort of "approved"
breeder/shelter regulation set by all clubs - I am not talking "they paid us
money so they are good", but "we have been to there place as a suprise &
they are clean, animals are healthy, etc.?  ANy other suggestions?
[Posted in FML issue 2318]