Hello All,
 
There was a small article buried inside the NY Post on Thurs, Oct.28th
(p. 28, i think) about the struggle between NYC and ferret owners.  One
particular activist for ferrets argued that the Board of Health can't pass
a new law - only enforce existing ones.  He went on to say that only the
City Council can create new laws, so he, among other ferret owners and the
Humane Society, are suing the city.  The Board of Health is holding to its
original story that the law of banning animals that are "wild, ferocious,
fierce, dangerous or naturally inclined to do harm" was always in place,
it's just that in June they decided to specify the animals they felt fell
under this generalization.  So ferrets were listed along with hippos,
giraffes, lions, tigers and bears (oh my!).  All animals that fit snugly in
a NYC apartment!
 
But a lawyer who represents the pro-ferreters makes a good point.  The
state made it legal to posses a ferret without a permit in '97.  So the
City Council must pass a law to supersede this - which they haven't.
Overall, i think it was a positive article for ferrets, showing how
ridiculous this law is and how much resistance there is against it.
 
Well, i just thought i'd send out news to the masses in case you missed it.
 
Fight On!
 
Joe R.
[Posted in FML issue 2850]