Hey friends -
 
First let me re-introduce myself.  I used to be a regular poster to the
list, but have been a lurker for the past several years (yes, I go pretty
far back).  I've had two ferrets (Slinky and Pogo) since they were illegal
here, and (since Slinky is now approaching 4) I'm sure I'll be back with
some crisis sometime soon.
 
I've been following the entire Kodo affair (who hasn't), and am still in
shock that the legal system would fail us this way.  My deepest sympathies
to all who knew and loved Kodo, and my thanks to ALL who helped in his legal
defense.  Yes, I sent my letters and faxes (no e-mails) to everyone
including the white house at the last minute.  I have never met Kodo, never
seen a photo, but I miss him and I am pissed.
 
There are several things that I think we need to do,should do in response to
this case.  To start with, the next time there is a bite case of a dog or
cat in Michigan, I think we NEED to monitor this.  If they do not hold the
animal for bat rabies testing, we should be right there to question why Kodo
was killed and the dog or cat was let go.  We need to get the mass numbers
of dog or cat owners in on this - there is no way that Michigan could stand
up to that pressure.
 
Also, (and this one is obvious), every state needs to start their
legislature to get a quarantine period on the books.  In MA, we are
everyone's envy because of our ten-day in house period.  That largely came
about because of Tom French, head of the state Fish & Game dept, and very
reasonable freind of ferrets.  That puts a precedent on the books, with
evidence behind it, and we can challenge other states to match it.
 
Finally, I think we really need to question every step of the way here, and
look at how things need to change.  How can a man who does not complain
about the bite, and is unwilling to even take a rabies vaccine, let a poor
ferret who did not even bite be put to death?  Something is fundamentally
flawed, and some change needs to be made.
 
Anyway, I still can't believe Kodo was put to death long after the
quarantine period in several other states.  We need to act on this.
 
Cheers - Mason, Pogo, Slinky, and Leila the Cat
[Posted in FML issue 1969]