Not all states have the same animal cruelty/neglect/abuse laws.  In
Kansas, the local sheriffs dept, animal control division, and humane
society are the law enforcement agencies to be contacted in these cases.
The State Animal Control Dept may step in after the other agencies are
contacted.
 
It isn't only state agencies that can file cruelty/abuse/neglect charges,
others can as well.  In cases where the ferrets would be euthanized if
confiscated by animal control because of their health conditions (isn't
this enough to justify filing charges!), then it may be wiser to have
the ferrets removed to safety by another ferret shelter, person or
organization, document everything in writing and with pictures, and then
contact the proper agencies.
 
If charges are not filed in these cases, it is essentially the same as
condoning what was done AND these cases will continue.  People MUST be
held accountable for their actions, both bad and good.  Don't enable
cruel neglectful behavior.
 
To find your states Animal Cruelty Statutes (thanks Lori!)-
http://www.animal-law.org/statutes/index.html
 
Oregon Statute -
167.330. Animal neglect in the first degree.
 
(1) A person commits the crime of animal neglect in the first degree
if, except as otherwise authorized by law, the person intentionally,
knowingly, recklessly or with criminal negligence:
 
(a) Fails to provide minimum care for an animal in such person's custody
    or control; and
(b) Such failure to provide care results in serious physical injury or
    death to the animal.
(2) Animal neglect in the first degree is a Class A misdemeanor.
 
hugs to all that are good, kind, and compassionate. tle
Troy Lynn Eckart, F.B.S.
Ferret Family Services
http://www.ferretfamilyservices.org
http://www-personal.ksu.edu/~sprite/ffs.html
http://www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/Haven/5481/
Please sign up to support our efforts
http://www.iGive.com/FFS
[Posted in FML issue 3925]