Although I have yet to see the transcript of the CBS segment--and I hope
someone will post the text thereof, so we can all see it--there seems to be
an impression that Rachel Lamb said something specific about working to get
ferrets delegalized in all the states. If she did, it may be that a wedge
can be driven between her and other high muckey-mucks in the HSUS. She is by
far the most outspoken enemy of ferrets in the organization hierarchy.
Anyway, the reason it seems to me a wedge may be possible is that Lamb's
remarks, from what I have heard, seem to go way beyond what to the best of my
knowledge is the latest official formulation of HSUS policy on ferrets, dated
October 1992.
In a nutshell, the operative language was "...Due to past incidences of
ferrets severely or even fatally biting children, The HSUS recommends that
children, particularly infants, never be left unsupervised with a
ferret...Ferrets may not be the best companion animal for many people.
Their nocturnal habits, curiosity, and high activity level make ferrets
often difficult to contain and control. Keeping ferrets in a humane
environment is a challenge, because they should not be confined to a cage
all the time, yet need close supervision when allowed out of their
enclosures... In short, The HSUS does not believe that ferrets are
suitable pets for most people. That is not to say that a ferret cannot be
kept humanely as a companion animal, but it takes a special individual to
adequately meet a ferret's special needs and provide humane care."
This is not pointed out to excuse HSUS-- far from it. It seems to me Lamb is
way out of line even for the HSUS's own policy, and hence that it could be
reasonably urged on Paul Irwin, the president of HSUS, that he:
1) apologize to ferret owners for Lamb's remark;
2) direct her not to associate the HSUS with her personal views
3) and send a formal letter to CBS News dissociating the HSUS from her
statement of views.
Following is the text of the October 1992 communique from HSUS on the
subject. Begin text:
October, 1992
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is the largest
animal-protection organization in the country, representing over
1.6 million constituents. The HSUS recognizes that domestic
ferrets have become increasingly popular as pets in recent years.
Rabies
In 1990, the United States Department of Agriculture licensed a
rabies vaccine for domestic ferrets. However, because the
incubation period for rabies in domestic ferrets is still unknown,
public health officials recommend that any ferret who bites should
be euthanized and analyzed for rabies.
Biting
Due to past incidences of ferrets severely or even fatally biting
children, The HSUS recommends that children, particularly infants,
never be left unsupervised with a ferret.
Behavior
Ferrets may not be the best companion animal for many people.
Their nocturnal habits, curiosity, and high activity level make
ferrets often difficult to contain and control. Keeping ferrets
in a humane environment is a challenge, because they should not be
confined to a cage all the time, yet need close supervision when
allowed out of their enclosures.
Sheltering
Animal shelters that receive ferrets should develop their own
individual policies on whether to place ferrets for adoption. This
determination may depend on a variety of factors, including local
ordinances that may restrict ferret ownership, and the cooperation
of knowledgeable ferret owners to assist with proper placement.
Sterilization
It is imperative that all pet ferrets are spayed and neutered. Not
only does sterilization diminish the offensive odor intact ferrets
produce, but it also improves temperament and guarantees that
ferret overpopulation does not become a problem, as it has with
cats and dogs.
Summary
In short, The HSUS does not believe that ferrets are suitable pets
for most people. That is not to say that a ferret cannot be kept
humanely as a companion animal, but it takes a special individual
to adequately meet a ferret's special needs and provide humane
care.
The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20037
(202) 452-1100 Fax (202) 778-6132
End text.
BTW, does anyone know whether HSUS has a Web page, or other cyberlocation
that could be bombarded?
2nd BTW--since we are trying to keep the HSUS's valuable support on the BFF
issue intact, it seems to me that for now at least it would be better not to
*publicly* attack the HSUS--at least until we see whether Irwin backs what
Lamb said--or at the least to include in any public or private correspondence
with them some appreciative mention of their forthright stand on the BFF
release.
Howard Davis
Humane Affairs Coordinator
League of Independent Ferret Enthusiasts (L.I.F.E.)
[Posted in FML issue 1214]
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