As you are aware, there are consequences associated with the mass
production of ferrets by ferret mills. These consequences include the
flooding of the retail pet store market with relatively inexpensive
ferrets, and, the health effects associated with mass production, early
spaying/neutering, and early separation of kits from their mothers

The presence of inexpensive ferret kits in pet stores attracts
purchasers who may buy ferrets on impulse with little knowledge of
the commitment required to provide a lifetime of care. Because of the
health issues associated with mass production, ferrets produced by
ferret mills frequently suffer from illness, genetic defects and
increased susceptibility to chronic diseases such as adrenal disease
and insulinoma.

The downstream effect of all of this directly impacts ferrets, their
owners, and, ultimately, privately run nonprofit ferret shelters and
municipal animal control facilities and shelters. Ferret owners and
shelter directors are faced with enormous costs to treat illnesses and
perform life-saving surgeries. Ferrets suffer needlessly.

This crisis has been growing for decades and is now at an all-time
high. The FATE initiative is aimed at promoting awareness to the
urgency of the situation. We ask that all ferret enthusiasts and all
U.S and Canadian shelters and rescues participate by taking the Ferret
Awareness Through Education (FATE) survey.

SURVEY LINKS for FERRET SHELTERS/RESCUES and FERRET ENTHUSIASTS:

Ferret Shelters/Organizations:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FerretAwarenessThroughEducation

Ferret Enthusiasts: 
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FATE_FerretAwarenessThroughEducation_FerretEnthusiasts

[Posted in FML 8041]