To Anyone--These are my opinions
Let other people know the reality concerning the domestic ferret and it's
plight.  How, at one time, when ferrets first began to become popular there
was a waiting list for people to buy a ferret.
 
Now, because breeders have made available a tremendous over- population of
these little animals to an uneducated public, the rescue shelters are
burgeoning, there is a growing need for more and more shelters, domestic
ferrets have been passed from owner to unknowlegable owner, mistreated,
abused, neglected, abandoned and killed in very large numbers.  Despite
valiant efforts on the part of some, the problem is not getting better.  If
it were, why would more and more shelters be needed?  And why is it not
getting better?  Because the very thing that started it all is continuing to
perpetuate the problem.  Major breeders are still pumping them out as fast
as they can sell them, and many private individuals who do not see or do not
care about the "bigger picture", but see a way to make some money.  If
making money is not their first objective, I would ask them "Do you have a
waiting period before you sell a ferret kit in order to educate a
prospective buyer so that a kit will be humanely cared for and so that the
people can intelligently determine if a ferret is right for them?" "How much
literature do you give out to the buyers of the ferrets before you sell them
the animal to help them determine if they are prepared for the unique
challenges involved in ferret parenting?" Don't bother talking to me if your
answers are no and none.
 
Domestic ferrets should not be bred for retail sale, (Recommendation of the
HSUS -Humane Society of the United States), touted as exotic ever (they have
been domesticated longer than the domestic cat), and should not used as
research animals.  There have been enough domestic ferrets who have died
excruciating deaths to find distemper and rabies vaccines.  Stop it.  You
may argue, "Well, you wouldn't have your ferrets if they were not bred and
sold."  You and I and many thousands of people could have all the ferrets we
want and can care for, for years to come even if all breeding were to be
stopped today.  That is how large and serious the problem is.
 
Janice
 
[Moderator's note: Please keep any responses on topic to ferrets -- this
can easily spill over into a PETA/HSUS etc. debate.  BIG]
[Posted in FML issue 2080]