Dooks to everyone, and condolences to those whose babies have gone to the
bridge.  I read this morning's FML and saw the post from OutlawDook
concerning Pat Wright.  I've sent George Weingarten the following e-mail.
I hope others send letters to him, in hopes that the "authorities" will be
able to read different viewpoints.  (Bill, I know this is long, but hope
you print it.  Thanks, sir)   [Sir?  "Bill" will do :-))  BIG]
 
Dear Mr. Weingarten:
 
My name is Rebecca McFarlane, I live in Lafayette, Indiana, and I have 7
ferrets.  I just read the FML this morning (7/9/99) about what happened
in San Diego, and to Pat Wright.  I don't know how much good I can do from
here for Pat and his ferrets.
 
I can only hope that what I say can be passed on to authorities in order
that they may understand ferrets better and perhaps have some compassion
for the ferrets they have seized.
 
First off-did anyone get a picture of the child's scratch (or
bite-whatever)?  If not, this should have been done.  Was the child treated
at a local hospital/doctor's office?  Perhaps officials should have the
records checked.
 
While understanding ferrets are illegal in California, have the authorities
thought that the ferret involved wasn't from California?  I've read where a
lot of people travel and visit with their ferrets in other states.
 
Is it possible to have Pat's ferrets sent out of state, rather than have
them possibly destroyed?  If I wasn't so far away, I'd ask authorities to
let me have them.
 
Also, and you can let the authorities read this if you like, ferrets are
not wild animals.  Black footed ferrets are wild, but the ferrets purchased
from breeders such as Marshall Farms, Hagan, etc. are not black footed
ferrets, they are a domestic ferret.  According to what I have read,
ferrets have been domesticated for hundreds (if not thousands) of years.
If one looks at pictures of Queen Elizabeth I they will see ferrets there,
and I believe Prince Andrew has ferrets (at least that's what I heard).  In
Europe ferrets are used to help hunt (yes, hunt-but not people!)  Yes, I've
heard the statement "they're nothing but elongated rodents."  I know-until
a year and a half ago I was one of the ignorant masses that felt that
way!  But now I know they aren't 'rodents'.  These are not blood thirsty
animals-most of the ferrets that are owned by private individuals never
taste meat-they eat a kibble food.
 
I work with veterinarians, and it is amazing how one will ask why I want to
have a wild animal as a pet!  Then we get into discussions and they have to
admit that ferrets are not wild animals.  One veterinarian and I got into a
discussion with a student, and I brought the vet up short about what he
said concerning ferrets.  The student was petrified but the vet laughed
and told the student I was right and he was wrong--and this veterinarian
and I get along very, very well.  I even have one of the doctors I'm
secretary for who wants me to bring my ferrets in so that he can see them,
because he's heard me talk about them so much.
 
The ones my family and I have are wonderful, loving little creatures that
bring a lot of laughter and joy.  We also have cats, and I'd fear being
bitten or scratched by one of the cats as a worse wound.  There are many
dogs in the world that one could consider truly viscious, and this is
caused by "bad press".  If anyone stops to think of it, Pit Bulls today
are not Pit Bulls of 20 years ago.  They've changed the name on two
breeds of terriers, and now today's Pit Bulls are American Bull Dogs and
Staffordshire Terriers are Pit Bulls-but this does nothing for the
reputation of the dog no matter what.  And it seems to be this way with
ferrets.  One person stating "oh, it bit me", or "oh, they smell", and all
ferrets are grouped in one lump.
 
Are not permits issued for individuals to own cougars, ocelots, tigers,
etc?  Excuse me, but these are definitely wild animals, not your regular
domestic pet ferret!  There seems to be some strange, bizarre twist here
concerning this.  Also, are not pythons and boa constrictors much more
dangerous than one small ferret?  Why aren't these (snakes) outlawed?
 
As to the child being injured----any animal, man included, will strike out
when frightened.  Who knows how hard the child grabbed the ferret.  And
yes, I understand the ferret people should not have had their ferrets out
in the open, but sometimes one has to take a chance and do something for
someone or something in their care to give them a special treat!
 
I only hope that you can help Pat and his ferrets.  Perhaps someone from
the FML can take his ferrets into their care, out of the state of
California, in order for them to live.  And perhaps you can help change
the laws so they are legalized there.  I myself have been subjected to
the 'force' of the government through a mistake, and for over two months
it caused great mental anguish to me, only to have the government tell
me, "Oh, sorry.  Same name, wrong person."
 
Rebecca McFarlane
=======================
Rebecca McFarlane
Secretary
Basic Medical Sciences
School Veterinary Medicine
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN  47907-1246
Phone:   765-494-8632
Fax:     765-494-0781
"Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy and taste
good with ketchup"
[Posted in FML issue 2736]