Dear Fellow FMLer's,
Over the past several weeks there has been much talk on the many issues of
MF practices.  In fact it is the longest run I have ever seen concerning
Marshall practices.  While some feel the need to either vilify or deify
Marshall, the real goal should be to rectify.
 
Therefore, the following proposals are being considered to be formally
presented to Marshall at the proper time:
 
                  THE MARSHALL CAMPAIGN GOALS
 
1) MF should create a fund to further medical studies regarding genetic
risks of closed colony breeders and ascertain if early fixing, shipping,
etc.  have a negative impact on ferret health.  Until this is ascertained,
all ferrets should be withheld from shipping until at least 12 weeks of age
according to prevailing veterinary and responsible breeder advise.  Besides
the issue of early fixing vs health, the animal's health would be likely to
improve if allowed to wean later and perhaps be supplemented by WET food
until shipped at 12 weeks.
 
2) Get the true numbers of exterminated breeder ferrets and reduce this
number markedly by various methods, including longer service, shelter
adoptions, and perhaps a reduced production at higher resale to keep profits
same or better.
 
3) Marshall to create a fund for approved shelters for the housing and
handling of their excess breeders AND wayward ferrets.
 
4) Marshall to improve ferret documentation and enforce practices that will
help insure their proper distribution.  (geez, if I see one more ferret in a
tank with cedar chips!.......)
 
5) Marshall to develop either a more viable tattoo marking, and to register
this marking as a protected trademark, and follow reasonable actions to
protect this trademark, and/or microchip utilization with proper care.
 
6) Marshall to permit inspections by an agreed upon veterinarian and ferret
specialist 3X a year and that these reports will be public domain.  Costs
borne by MF and participating shelters.
 
Now, here on the FML, these issues have been discussed ad infinitum.
Personally, although some may disagree, I feel any further side debates just
sidetrack these main issues.  In general, from what I have heard, these
remedies do not appear too difficult for any responsible company to
implement and these remedies do not appear too extreme.  Though some feel
these do not go far enough, these remidies will markedly improve conditions
for many.  We need to keep in mind that Marshall is entitled to a reasonable
profit and should be allowed to conduct a successful business within ethical
standards.  The goal of this campaign is to improve conditions for all,
including Marshall, their employees, their customers, shelters, and last and
most importantly, the ferrets.  The ferrets that are sold AND the ferrets
that are bred.  Even the veterinary community and the public at large will
enjoy a happier and healthier ferret.  We can all work together to help
Marshall become a profitable and model breeder, which I would imagine is
their goal.
 
So please read these carefully.  If you have any further constructive ideas
and/or advice on filling in the details PLEASE feel free to E-MAIL me
directly.  Very shortly, I will post the actual campaign strategy on the
FML.  Some individuals and their internet addresses may be posted at this
time.  A dedicated web page is scheduled to be unveiled soon(we hope)as
reasonable security can be established.  You may contact any of these
individuals or yours truly directly after the campaign is posted if you feel
you can offer some time and energy.  The campaign was developed to minimize
the time and energy required for a successful achievement.  There will be NO
fundraising or dues associated with this campaign.  This campaign will cover
the continental United States.  This campaign will only require participants
a little time, a little effort, and a lot of heart.  While I cannot
guarantee absolute privacy because of the inherent nature of the internet,
all reasonable actions will be practiced consistently to the best of our
abilities.  This campaign will not align itself with ANY formal organization
or club.  If you are a member or members of a particular organization you
are very welcome to get involved, but as an individual, not as a
representive.  This is an apolitical, non-partisan campaign.
 
Finally please understand that this is NOT a campaign AGAINST Marshall or
its retailers, but for them.  We really need to all work together in good
faith towards the goals of better ferret welfare and breeder/farm practices.
This campaign is all about honey, but offered from a very strong jar.
 
While you may not agree with every issue, I urge you that even if there is
only one you believe in, then help us to achieve it.  This is not about
"group think", this is about group effort.
 
best wishes,
FOR KODO AND ALL THE FERRETS WITH NO NAMES
alphachi
 
PS Addendum to a recent post by yours truly: I mistakenly referred to Pete
Reid as Paul.  This error was wholly unintentional and I apologize for any
inconvenience this may have caused.
[Posted in FML issue 2009]