Date:  June 3, 1999
Time:  10 am to Noon
Place: NYC Dept. of Health
       125 Worth Street (Manhattan)
       2nd floor auditorium
       New York, NY 10013
         (across from the Courthouse and DMV.
         Trains to City Hall/Brooklyn Bridge,
         then walk north a couple blocks.)
 
The NYC Board of Health will hold a public hearing on a proposed rule
change that will codify a ferret prohibition in NYC.  Right now there is
only Health Code Section 161.01 that prohibits the keeping of "animals of a
species that is wild, ferocious, fierce, dangerous or naturally inclined to
do harm." (The ferret ban is not enforced or enforceable.) This rule change
would add a list of prohibited animals to this section, and ferret is on it.
 
It is important that ferret advocates make a good showing.  The principal
issue for the Health Dept.  seems to be ferrets' propensity to bite,
particularly infants and small children.
 
Speakers will have 5 minutes to present a case.  If you wish to speak, you
must write or call Patricia Caruso at the Health Dept.  at 212-788-5010 to
register no later than June 1, 1999.
 
You may also submit written materials on or before June 3rd.  Out of
towners may send written materials to P.O. Box 268, NY, NY 10028 and I
will make sure the Board of Health members get them.  If you have any
questions, feel free to contact Gary Kaskel of NYC Friends of Ferrets at
212-876-0090 or [log in to unmask]
[Posted in FML issue 2677]