In reference to a comment on HSUS...  true their stance alone does not reach
the ferret community, the local shelters and humane societies DO the hands
on work with animals, HOWEVER the local SPCA's and Humane Societies are
MEMBERS of HSUS.  So that IS important.  Wile each shelter is allowed to
accept or not accept whichever animals there is some influence from the
national organization.  We are very fortunate tat we are a private non
profit ferret shelter which has been accepted into the NH Federation of
Humane Organizations.  We are fuill voting members along with the Humane
Societies in the state.  We receive training from HSUS as well as the state
humane organization, AND we are being well received.  Certainly that cannot
be a bad thing for ferrets and for the general public and their perception
of ferrets as a domestic animal.
 
One cannot change a system through rebellion, it is important to work with
others in order to educate them.  I urge other ferret shelters to work with
their local humane societies and SPCA's.  We are fortunate enough to have
the cooperation of the local animal complaint investigator as well who has
already atempted to persue neglect charges on behalf of this shelter.  There
is help for ferrets and support...  to find it isn't with a club and
condemnation.  To kindly share the good news about the third most popular
domestic animal IS IN MY OPINION the best way to prove a point.  The
kindness does make a difference and I suspect that California legislation
will look kinder towards the ferret with the new perspective taken by the
HSUS towards the ferret.
 
I am not saying that there are not factions that disagree withs companion
animals wholly, but not ALL HSUS are pitched that way.
 
Again I applaud the steps in the right direction and ask other ferret
shelters to start making ties with both local shelters and state agencies.
THIS DOES NOT MEAN YOU NEED TO CHANGE YOUR STANCE ON NO-KILL, we can
effectively work together for the benefit of the FERRET>
 
Thanks
[Posted in FML issue 1540]