Hello Lora,

I guess I should apologize for mixing up my states - It has been many
years since I studied geography-- and seeing how I am pretty much tied
to the ferrets in NH, VT and surrounding areas.. also to the
Legislative issues at our state capital and shelter responsibilities
which include daily care, veterinary out source-ing for in house as
well asshelter hospice ferrets, I tend not to have all my t's crossed
or i's dotted these days.

Doug McKay ferrets is a long known and long heard story-- and pardon me
for assuming he was in MI I guess I got confused by your website which
IS? in MI?

To get to the point- Doug McKay's fur farm is a commercial entity --
also many re sellers some on this list are McKay loyalists... that
being said we know they will read all that is posted.

IF YOU HAVE WITNESSED the ATROCITIES you have stated- be aware that
McKays AS A commercial entity MUST be USDA licensed ... so start with
complaints IN WRITING to the regional USDA OFFICE-- Send complaints
in duplicate to the National USDA office.

That should get the ball rolling. Of course by now he already knows you
might do this and has time to ready for the inspection .

ALL ferret organizations should be aware that commercial farms get
inspected-- and they get inspected more if there are complaints filed.
Marshall's was inspected in years pat for infractions in caging-- it
certainly sounds like that alone is worth filing complaints with USDA
and the Ohio dept of agriculture--

USDA will supercede in authority if no rules apply to ferrets ( or
mink) in Ohio.

You must admit that your rebuttal - as well as initial post were
more emotional in content than a factual presentation of the current
conditions.

I ask did you witness the situation? or are you reporting second or
third hand that certainly was not clear form reading.? ONly actual
witnesses can file a legitimate complaint, the same hearsay rules
apply in a case like this as in any court case.

Yes , the process may not be overnight - but given the number of
animals-- the fact that mink are in close proximity to the ferrets
thus making a ADV higher risk. Then monetary issues as well as staging
for any intended rescue ( ADV testing) a triage area away from other
animals / veterinary screening care all before spay/ neuter for almost
a thousand animals -- are among the other hurdles that must be
cleared.. clearly a good plan of action needs to be formulated.

Buying breeding jills one at a time is NOT a good plan. Why? Because
hundreds are being born as six are being sold - the breeder is still
making a monetary gain while no cleanup or progress is being made.
The animals sadly are expendable to him.

That is why if a cleanup is intended it MUST go through the channels of
proper authorities. I wish I had the silver bullet that would make you
smile - and no this is not a cop out . Please research the RSA's for
commercial agricultural animals inn OH and get them to me.

ALso call the director of agriculture's office in Ohio and get some
solid knowledge as to what is expected of brredersd-- if commercial
breeders in Ohio are licensed & inspected.. between the USDA and OH
dept of agriculture some solid ground must be found-- if not take it
to PETA....

I really do NOT want to see PETA involved as they traditionally do
things wrong, and will not care what happens to these ferrets rather
that they are not caged in a breeding facility--

Work together for resolve and don't kill the messenger-

Alicia D

at ferret wise
www.ferretwise.org

[Posted in FML 5525]