Thought I'd drop a little note into the middle of this Humane Society
discussion.
 
A year or so ago, I researched the laws in my city and state with regards
to animal cruelty, and in specific, ferrets.  I find the laws here are
quite satisfactory, with a few things, of course, which could be changed.
 
Ferrets are listed as a "small animal" here, and I do not believe they are
currently on the exotics list.  They are also listed as a "pet animal" and
are afforded the rights thereof.
 
The laws are simple.  Small animals are required a certain number of cubic
feet per pound of animal, either in the cage, or if they are not caged,
then in the area they occupy.  They are required to be given clean, fresh
food and water daily, (which in the case of ferrets is a bit remiss,
considering their short digestive tracks, a fact I pointed out to the
Animal Control officer I was corresponding with,) and hygeine laws apply.
 
The Animal Control officer also had some VERY good news.  Within the city
limits, dogs and cats are kept limited to a certin number per household,
and they must be liscensed with the city, and kept current on rabies shots.
They are the only animals to which these restrictions apply, for the safety
of both humans and the animals.  Animal Control is lobbying to impliment a
similar set of regulations for ferrets.  They would still be listed under
the "small animals" catagory, and therefore only limited to how many you
can have in the space you have available, but they would be liscensed and
would require rabies shots.  While this poses a possible financial burden
to owners of multiple ferrets, (I have five, so I fit that catagory,) I
am delighted to see the city take an interest in ferrets as a companion,
equating them with dogs and cats.
 
I asked the officer about collars, which any outdoor cats and all dogs
are also supposed to wear, to display their liscense and rabies tags.  He
said that was one of the only thigns holding up the process.  Ferrets, of
course, would have considerable difficulty getting around with a liscense
tag hanging from their collar, if they even allowed themselves to have a
collar put on.  My ferrets wouldn't stand for it.  He said the consensus
seemed to be a slightly higher liscense fee for microchipping.  And
exclusively indoor ferrets, as with indoor cats, would be required only
to be able to show proof of rabies and liscensing upon request.  But what
a boon to those of us who have a ferret go missing!  The Animal Control
officers see a ferret, and treats it as if it were a lost dog or cat, with
the same concern.  And they have the ability to identify the owner of any
ferret who's owner is obeying the law.  How wonderful!  Even my indoor
babies would get microchip liscenses.
 
The humane society in my city works closely with the Animal Control
officers to ensure the safe handling of all the animals they take care
of.  They are a great group of folks!  However, just 50 miles away, in a
slightly larger city, the animal control keeps ferrets next to hamsters
and guinea pigs, in cedar chips.  Why can't they just get their heads
together??
 
It poses some interesting questions, I think.  My city seems to be more
advanced in their position on ferrets than most others, and for that I
feel fortunate.
 
Just thought I would throw that into the mix.
 
Melissa Barnes
[Posted in FML issue 3491]