Ricky was recently put to sleep by authorities after he escaped from his
owner's home in Queensland, Australia.
 
While ferrets are illegal in the state, they are legal pets in New South
Wales, only an hour south of where he was found.  Despite requests by the
NSW Ferret Welfare Society to take custody and re-home him in NSW, Ricky
was put to sleep and then returned to his owner.
 
One of the newspaper articles can be found by searching for "Big stink
after ferret weasels into Charleville" on Google.
 
I cannot decide if I am disgused or depressed at the moment, but can
only hope that one day the government will come to their senses.
 
Sandee, can you please make sure that Ricky is safe and happy.  His
owner has kept ferrets on and off for 30 years, so I am sure he has
some friends up there.
 
Please let him know that there are many people working down here to try
and make sure this never happens again.
 
thank you
shona
[Posted in FML issue 4517]