>From:    zauberin <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Question and observation
>Was there a discussion on whether ferrets should be kept at all as pets?
 
There were several posts about the ethics of breeding ferrets, during which
it was proposed that animals should not be bred since that entails "playing
god." Following that mentality, you must also conclude that animals
(including ferrets) should not be kept as pets at all.
 
I wanted to exclude such arguments from my part of the discussion since it
is not only off-topic for the FML but a moot point for the 3000+ pet owners
on the list.
 
>I can play the devil's advocate, because this *is* the way I got my
>ferrets.
 
My first ferret also came from a pet store, although I can say she was
not an impulse purchase.  Nine years later, even after having recently
discovered the FML, I purchased two kits from a bin in a pet store because
I was too impatient with the local shelter who had very few ferrets up for
adoption.  Not my proudest moment and I'd never do it again.
 
>How is a potential buyer supposed to know what is out there?
 
That's something the ferret community has to work on.  How many people
bought puppies and kittens from pet stores before the HSUS and other
organizations made it clear that there were better solutions?
 
>Most people think I'm kidding when I say there are ferret shelters, let
>alone private stock.
 
I've gotten the same reaction; some people even laugh at the idea, thinking
homeless ferrets are a joke.  Things can change, however.  It's up to us to
help make it work.  When I talk to people about ferrets I always mention
the shelters and the number of unwanted ferrets in the world.  If they are
considering purchasing a ferret I always point them to Ferret Central and
the FAQs; I have spare copies to hand out to people who don't have internet
access.
 
Read up on the HSUS and how pet stores and puppy mills operated before
changes in legislation and public opinion made a difference -- it's very
enlightening.
 
-mel
[Posted in FML issue 2528]