This is to update everyone on what is happening here in Massachusetts in
regards to the Brookline Case.
 
As you all may or may not be aware, two innocent ferrets were viciously
murdered this past month when their home was invaded by an alleged robber.
Charged with this crime is James Arthur Melton who is presently undergoing
psychriatric observations at Bridgewater State Hospital.  The charges
pending on him are: breaking and entering, larceny over $250.00, telephone
fraud, animal cruelty, and attempted arson.
 
Massachusetts Ferret Friends is cooperating fully with the Brookline Police
Detectives in charge of this case and the District Attorney's Office,
Norfolk County.
 
MaFF has been asked by the Brookline Police and the DA's office to furnish
them with information on ferrets and their behavior.  MaFF has also been in
contact with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the American
Humane Association (AHA) and other groups national and local, to get
infomation to us pertaining to this and other cases that may be helpful.
 
MaFF is also trying to locate one of the ALDF (Animal Legal Defense Fund)
attorney's to see if we can get them to get involved with this case.  We
have left messages with most of them and are waiting for responses.  MaFF
wishes to thank Lynda ([log in to unmask]) for furnshing us with this list.
 
Local MaFF members in Brookline have made themselves available to comfort
the owner through the Brookline Police.  As soon as contact has been made,
we will update you.
 
MaFF is asking if any of you would like to send your letters and cards of
support to the owner, to please do so by mailing to our Post Office box at:
 
Massachuestts Ferret Friends, Inc.
C/O Brookline Ferret Case
PO Box 3123
Wakefield, MA 01880
 
MaFF is withholding the owners name at this time to protect his privacy.
 
To get updates on this case, please use the folowing forums for now and we
will update you with other venus as they come in.
 
Sam (who has done websites for the Spokane incident, Rocky and the Ontario
Ferrets cases), has graciously volunteered to start up a website for this
case.  We will let everyone know how to access it as soon as it is ready.
 
For now, please refer to, the America Online Message Boards amd the Ferret
Mailing List.
[Posted in FML issue 2457]