To Hans and anyone else--
 
Please be assured that not everyone on the fml finds it acceptable that
Marshall Farms sells their ferrets to labs for research.  This issue has
come up on the fml many times.  Some people think it's fine, lots of us
don't.
 
Since MF advertises in lab supply magazines, I assume they sell ferrets to
anyone who will buy them.  And yes, animal testing is not cut and dry, but
it's my understanding that a lot of it is because "that's the way it's
always been done" (like lots of other outdated ideas).  The old "your baby
or your dog [ferret]" analogy became old a long time ago.
 
Whether you think it's ok or not, PLEASE don't think that all researchers
have hearts of gold and care about their animals--I have personally known
some who were not kind at all.  So, since this is a ferret forum, it is
also my understanding that ferrets were specifically used in some pretty
gruesome tests which were stopped by public complaints.  So, please don't
be naive about testing.  Whether you support it or not, at least become
informed about it and don't believe EITHER side until you've investigated
things yourself.
 
Ronnie in Mass.
P.S. and yes, MF sells beagles for research too
[Posted in FML issue 2780]