To CA residents: Got this from the CA senate bill subscription service.
Lots of very interesting information about the Pros and Cons of the CA bill
(SB55) and ownership of ferrets in general.
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BILL ANALYSIS
SENATE NATURAL RESOURCES AND WILDLIFEBILL NO.: SB 55
Senator Tom Hayden, Chair AUTHOR: Kopp
VERSION: (Original): 12/22/94
(Amended): 3/2/95
FISCAL: no
URGENCY: no
CONSULTANT: Darryl Young
HEARING DATE: 4/25/95
SUBJECT:
Fish and Game Commission: Legalization of Ferrets
ISSUE:
Should ferrets be reclassified from an exotic species to a domestic
species. Should ownership of ferrets be decriminalized?
SUMMARY:
This bill would allow domestic ferrets to be imported and owned as, pets
without a permit. All ferrets shall be vaccinated against rabies. Any
ferret sold in a retail store shall be spayed or neutered.
BACKGROUND & EXISTING LAW:
Existing law prohibits importation and possession of ferrets. Ferrets are
currently classified by Fish and Game Commission regulations as a
detrimental, exotic species because they are not normally domesticated in
California and they pose a threat to native wildlife, agriculture, or to
public health and safety. Female ferrets have been illegal in California
since 1932. Neutered male ferrets were legal until 1987 when the Fish and
Game Commission adopted regulations prohibiting their importation and
possession. There are currently 50 persons who possess approximately 150
animals legally.
PROPOSED LAW:
This bill would designate ferrets as domestic animals and allow their
importation and possession as pets under the following conditions:
a) Owners can document that the ferret has been vaccinated for rabies.
b) All ferrets over the age of six months shall be spayed or neutered, unless
the owner of the ferret holds a breederos license issued by the USDA.
c) Any ferret that is sold or offered for sale in a retail store shall
be spayed or neutered before sale.
This bill would remove any authority the Department or the Commission may
currently have over the possession of ferrets.
COMMENTS:
1) Ferrets were developed from the European polecat. European ferrets resemble
weasels, but are larger and stockier. Ferrets, along with the wolverine,
weasel, marten, and mink, are members of the family Musteliadae and
subfamily Mustelinae. They measure 17 to 22 inches in length and typically
weigh between 2 and 6 pounds. Most ferrets are albino or "sable" colored
with a blackish mask, limbs, and tail. The European ferret should not be
confused with the similar but biologically distinct American black-footed
ferret, an endangered species of the Great Plains.
2) European ferrets were first imported into the United States about 1875
to kill rats. Feral populations developed, and the animals became a
serious threat to poultry producers. Control measures became necessary,
including passage of anti-ferret regulations. Female ferrets have been
illegal in California since 1932. Neutered male ferrets were legal
until 1987 when the Fish and Game Commission adopted regulations
prohibiting their importation and possession.
3) Ferrets are legal in 47 states, with California, Hawaii, Michigan and
Massachusetts banning the animals. Last year similar legislation was
defeated in the Massachusetts legislature.
4) The sponsors believe that the legalization of domesticated ferret as
companion animals is years overdue.
5) Proponents state that the ferret has been a domestic pet for over 3,500
years and does not exist in the wild. Additionally, proponents assert
that due to the length of their domesticity, the ferret cannot survive
in the wild and is totally dependent on humans for food and shelter.
6) Proponents suggest that the few documented cases of ferrets biting, humans
are as a result of parental or caretaker inattention and neglect. They
site that in comparison, dogs inflict approximately 950 serious injuries
on humans per million dogs annually, while ferrets are responsible for
about three serious injuries on humans per million animals.
7) Proponents state that the risk of contracting rabies is not a reason to
ban ferrets because a rabies vaccine was approved by the USDA in 1990.
8) Proponents believe that they have a constitutional right to own ferrets
as part of their right to own private property.
9) The Department of Health Services believes that this measure could result
in serious illness or injury to California citizens, especially to infants.
10) The Department of Fish and Game alleges that ferrets could lead to feral
populations, thereby creating a predation problem on native wildlife.
11) Humane Groups assert that this measure will result in new expenditures for
local animal control agencies and humane societies which are not staffed,
equipped or funded adequately to open their doors and services to ferrets.
12) The bill requires owners of fertile ferrets to hold a obreederos license
issued by the United States Department of Agricultureo. However the USDA
does not issue obreederos licenseso. The USDA does issue Class A and
Class B dealer licenses. Class A dealers breed ferrets for wholesale
(sale to individuals who resell the ferrets). Class B dealers can both
breed ferrets and act as brokers.
Individuals who breed and then sell less than $500 worth of ferrets are
exempt from licensure.
The committee may wish to consider amendments to list which class or
classes of licensure to require as well as how to deal with breeders that
are exempt from federal dealer licensure.
SUPPORT:
California Domestic Ferret Association
Ferrets Anonymous
Pet Industry Joint Advisory Counsel
Robert Holzapfel, Glenn County District Attorney
Carleyos Pet Center
Joyos Pet Market
Reptiles Ro Us
Top Rock Development Corporation
California Veterinary Medical Association
Pacific Beach Veterinary Clinic
Rancho Bernardo Golf Club
Wilshire Veterinary Hospital
OPPOSED:
California Department of Fish and Game
California Department of Health Services
Humane Society of the United States
California Federation for Animal Legislation
The Fund for Animals
Sierra Club
California Farm Bureau
Contra Costa Humane Society
Wildlife Fawn Rescue
[Posted in FML issue 1198]
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