Bill Killian wrote
>THe federal, state and local governments have all been at McKay's farm
>over the years and have all decided, impartially, that the problems
>are not what the detractors claim.

This is simply not true. At least 11 years ago, the USDA visited
McKay and TOOK AWAY HIS LICENSE. The USDA does not do that unless the
problems have been ongoing and unfixed after several inspections. In
all that time since, McKay has been unable or unwilling to clean up the
farm enough to get the license back, which surely would be of economic
benefit to him.

Just a couple of weeks ago, the Morrow County Health Department
inspected his farm, and found grossly unsanitary conditions that they
ordered him to clean up and keep clean. That is the only issue they
were able to address, as they have no jurisdiction over the animals
themselves.

I have no information on any inspections by the state. If he is not
breaking any state laws, that is only because of the gross inadequacy
of Ohio's laws. I posted about this before.

>People have always taken advantage of him.

And for many years he has taken advantage of the kindness and humanity
of others by selling his excess stock cheaply rather than cutting back
on his breeding. He has also "given" ferrets to others on consignment
who think/claim they are rescuing them. If they adopt them out, he is
supposed to get a cut of the fees.

People HAVE helped him clean up his farm, but he does not maintain it.

Some people have reported over the years that he is planning on cutting
back or quitting because of the difficulties in caring for so many
animals, but he never does so. If he cannot raise animals destined to
be pets in a humane way, he should not be raising them at all.

>Representing himself with no financial gains to be made. Unlike those
>who so desperately oppose him.

This is ludicrous! What benefit would the ferret community have in
wanting to foot the bill to rescue, neuter and get vet care for
hundreds of ferrets? As a former shelter, you should know any adoption
fees would not cover these expenses.

And finally, a lack of education or good writing skills in no way
negates the truth of the inhumane conditions that have existed at
that farm for over a decade. To state otherwise is simply bigotry.

Linda Iroff
who's been there and also has no financial gain, but like many, is
appalled by the suffering

[Posted in FML 5545]