>From:    Betty <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Ferrets: Permission to Euthanize
 
We aren't disagreeing really.  You describe a slightly better version than
most of what we are familiar with but its not a huge ferret opverpopulation
problem.
 
The shelter you described wasn't overcrowded with ferrets.  They do get
euthanized in shelters.  I am actually glad to hear that the shelter you
describe actually gives them a chance at placement!  That isn't too common.
 
In Virginia, most animal shelters don't even give ferrets a chance at
adoption.  Ferret shelters in the state make agreements with some of the
'official' shelters to get the ferrets before the ferrets are 'really'
taken in.
 
Your description sounds as much like the idea that these shelters think it
more humane to not keep an animal 'forever' where it isn't properly cared
for beyond the basic necessities.  You specifically said euthanization
wasn't because of overcrowding.  I'd wager however that at the same time
that shelter has a relatively small number of ferrets to put down many more
were sold at pet stores.  Most people don't expect 'official' shelters to
have ferrets.
 
Its a cruel world sometimes.  We have to reduce the total amount of cruelty
to the best of our abilities without sacrificing too much of the joy.
Absolute ending of breeding of ferrets would end an awful lot of joy.
 
>All the statistics and and all your powers of debate and subsequent
>research along with your blanket statements will not save the life of
>those who are euthanised for other reasons.
 
That is correct.  And in agreement with all that I say.  But likewise
overly emotional blanket statements about the overpopulation of ferrets
will not save those ferrets either.  That is a different issue that needs
to be addressed with solutions that will fix that problem.  Not solutions
for a different problem that doesn't actually exist.
 
If you want to get angry at me or my words, fine.  But please hink about
what I really say.  There is a problem in that ferrets need sheltering.
There is a MUCH bigger problem with dogs and cats than with ferrets.  As
the problem with dogs and cats is getting better more and more 'official'
shelters will have room freed up to work with 'exotics' including ferrets
(to these shelters anything that isn't a dog or cat is exotic).
 
-bill
--
bill and diane killian
zen and the art of ferrets
http://www.zenferret.com/
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[Posted in FML issue 2577]