Currently, many legislative challenges are facing ferrets and the ferret
community nationwide.  Many of these pending legislative actions have not
only repercussions on the welfare of ferrets, but also their health.
 
Now, an action is being brought before the United States Department of
Agriculture and the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service that would
request a revision in the requirements for breeding farms ALREADY under
USDA control.  The proposed changes would not apply to small breeders
who sell privately; rather they would apply only to breeders who breed
ferrets for wholesale to the pet industry, their distributors, and the
transport they use.
 
This action requests that the departments review the current protection
provided for ferrets, and revise them to provide more breed specific
needs.  Currently, no ferret specific guidelines are available for the
protection of the health and welfare of farmed ferrets - and several
groups would like to see this matter addressed.
 
Within the next several months, proposed regulations will be available
for public review and commentary.  At this time, however, it is critical
to convince the Department of Agriculture that ferrets need - and
deserve - breed specific protection equal to that of dogs and cats.
 
Attached is a copy of the petition submitted to the United States
Department of Agriculture recommending that these needs be addressed.
 
YOU CAN HELP!
Please contact:
Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman
1400 Independence Avenue SW Room 312-E
Whitten Building
Washington, DC 20250
[log in to unmask]
202-720-3631
 
Bobby Acord, Administrator APHIS
1400 Independence Avenue SW Room 200-A
Whitten Building
Washington, DC 20250
[log in to unmask]
202-720-3668, Fax 202-720-3054
 
and
 
Your federal congressional delegation - use the below websites if you are
unsure who to contact.
 
http://www.house.gov/writerep/
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
 
and let them know that the general public is concerned about the welfare
of these popular animals, and for the health of ferrets across the United
States, better regulations should be implemented - most specifically,
breed specific regulations.
 
 --------------------------
 
Petition
 
March 10, 2004
 
Petition for Rulemaking
 
Submitted by:
International Ferret Congress
Sandra C. Kudrak, DVM, DABVP
Ferret Wise Rescue and Rehabilitation Shelter
West Central Ohio Ferret Shelter
Ferret Lovers Club of Texas
Maryland Ferret PAWS, Inc.
Support Our Shelters
Ferret Rescue of Maine
Western Maine Ferret Rescue
 
Submitted to:
 
Mr. Bobby Acord
Administrator of the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service
 
 and
 
Ms. Ann M. Veneman
Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture
 
Dear Sir and Madam:
 
We are petitioning the United States Department of Agriculture regarding
the lack of adequate protection for the domestic ferret (Mustela furo)
under the current provisions of the Animal Welfare Act.
 
Currently, the domestic ferret is considered to be one of the most
popular companion animals in the United States as well as around the
world.  Sadly, the protection afforded to it by the Animal Welfare Act
does not take into account the specific biological, physiological, and
social needs of this animal in a manner consistent with other household
pets such as cats and dogs.  Given practices such as early and forced
weaning, ferret kits are being shipped too young, resulting in large
numbers of animals becoming ill during or shortly after transport.
Many more animals develop significant behavioral abnormalities (such
as aggression not normally seen in ferrets) because their inherent
needs are not being met during the weaning and transportation process.
Additionally, ferret kits are arriving to pet stores malnourished and
ill.  Starvation, pneumonia, prolapsed rectums, and seizures are
regularly documented.
 
These animals, because of behavior and health problems, are being
relinquished in large numbers to shelters and private individuals
willing to attempt to rehabilitate them.  Unfortunately, many are
unable to recover to a state which makes them adoptable, causing a
huge burden on the shelters as well as the general public.
 
The lack of protection afforded to this animal is contrary to both the
language and Congressional intent of the Animal Welfare Act.  We formally
request that the rulemaking be instituted to provide for adequate
regulations specifically addressing the unique needs of ferrets as has
been done for other species.  The above parties are available and willing
to provide their experience and expertise to see that fair, legal, and
adequate regulations be drafted.
 
We ask that the agency take immediate action to remedy these violations
of the Animal Welfare Act.
 
 -------------------------
 
This message may be freely distributed to other individuals, lists,
newsletters, and websites as long as it appears in its entirety and
without any changes to either the letter or the petition, both of which
must appear together.
[Posted in FML issue 4456]