BIG this is the Q and A that was referred to on the list...the web site was
a little trickey getting to.
 
It looks to me the caca mentality runs deep in the left coast state, wish it
would stop trying to spill over into Az.
 
Ferrets As Pets And California Law
 
Q: A friend of mine has two ferrets, which she keeps in her apartment.  They
are absolutely adorable, and they are litter-box trained, cuddly, friendly,
playful and affectionate.  I'd love to get one, but I've been told it's
illegal in California to keep them as pets.  My friend says there's "no
reason" for the law and it's very unjust as they make great pets.  Her own
are proof of that.  She also says people are working to overturn the law.
What's the scoop?  Is it illegal?  Why?  If I were to get one, are there any
special things I should know about caring for them?  Do they get the same
vaccinations as cats?  Thanks.
 
A: Except by special permit, owning ferrets in California is illegal, as
deemed by the California Fish and Game Commission and endorsed by the
Defenders of Wildlife who purport that ferrets are a threat to native
species, public health, and agricultural activities.  Additionally, they
state that in the wild ferrets would be competing with and jeopardizing
California's natural heritage.
 
At an American Veterinary Medical Association conference (AVMA) in 1988,
numerous photographs of extensive trauma to the face, nose, ears, and toes
were shown of children which had been bitten by ferrets.  Many of the
attacks occurred while the kids slept.  At that conference, ferret behavior
was deemed "unpredictable," and that they are unacceptable as pets when
children under the age of nine are in the household.
 
The official position of the AVMA and the State and Territorial
Epidemiologist Association is that ferrets are not recommended as pets.  In
addition to California, ferrets are illegal in New Hampshire, Rhode Island,
South Carolina, and Georgia.
 
The ferret is susceptible to a variety of bacterial infections and fungal,
such as salmonella sp, escherichia coli, tuberculosis, listeriosis
blastomycosis, histoplasmosis and dermatomycosis (ringworm).  They can also
carry heartworm and canine distemper.  There is no approved vaccine at this
time for ferrets; however, in 1993 a rabies vaccine was made available, but
its effectiveness is unsure, according to Dr. Chinwe Thomas with the Los
Angeles County Veterinary office.
 
Despite the fact that ferrets are illegal, there are an estimated 500,000
ferret owners in California and the Southern California Ferret Society is
working to legalize them as pets.
 
This BS appears to be out of date making the LA SPCA look like they take
dofferent prorities for different animals....
 
bob
[Posted in FML issue 2169]