Received today so getting this right to the FML.  I wonder how much money
they need to correct the site since Steve and I would certainly be willing
to help with a contribution.  Will copy this back to the author so she can
look at the addresses above and tell the FML directly what sorts of funds
they need.  Maybe we could also get IMRAB's manufacturer (whose name I know
but can never spell correctly offhand) and some clubs and breeders of
varying sizes to contribute.  Will also copy this to Bill in case it's too
long so he can insert it himself into the FML in that case.
 
She's right that ferrets sometimes respond to abuse with violence, but so
do all animals, including humans.  It's possible, though, that ferrets may
be MORE prone nationwide to being stuck in abusive situations; I don't
know.  I certainly hope not.
 
Please, folks, remember to train with "times out" -- NOT with punishment
since that might backfire; DO get your pets the medical care they need;
provide enough space and playtime, as well as many challenging toys; give
them attention and LOVE.  You'll get love back.  Heck, Hjalmar would not
leave my side for six weeks after I had major surgery.  Remember how
Meltdown and Spot comforted our neighbor Maggie's kids while she was dying
of cancer, and how Meltie comforted the child who was losing her cat in the
hospital?  Think of all the completely dedicated, loving ones here.  There
are so very many.
 
[Moderator's note: Sukie was the first person to forward the AVMA's reply
to the FML, but several other people did as well, either to me or to the
list.  I'll point any other posts quoting the reply here.  Thanks all for
the diligent followups!  BIG]
 
>Date: Wed, 17 Jun 1998 11:39:38 -0500
>From: Diana Tomasek <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>
>Thank you very much for your recent message regarding Ferrets.  The current
>Care for Pets site was developed two years ago through a corporate
>sponsorship.  We are a not for profit organization and expand our resources
>when we are able to obtain support.  However, we are currently developing a
>plan to seek sponsorship for the expansion of the "Care for Pets" site to
>"Care for Animals" so that many more types of animals and pets, including
>Ferrets, will be represented.
>
>AVMA does recognize Ferrets as pets, and as the guidelines on our Web page
>suggest (http://www.avma.org/care4pets/ppetexot.htm), as long as ferret
>owners practice responsible ownership, including vaccinations and regular
>health care.  We agree that ferrets are wonderfully unique animals that
>requires their owners to have to be knowledgeable about the care and
>well-being of the animal.
>
>Contrary to your statement that the authors have not had experience with
>ferrets, quite the opposite is true.  While it is very clear that you are
>very knowlegeable about ferrets and a responsible pet owner, unfortunately,
>in the experience of the veterinarians who worked on this policy, this is
>not the case with many, many ferret owners.
>
>Veterinarians see that these animals are often neglected and/or mistreated
>and when that happens, ferrets do become aggresive and may bite.  Or worse,
>because owners are not willing to put in the effort that is required and
>just "get tired" of the animal, the veterinarian has the sad job of putting
>these wonderful animals to sleep or see a number of ferrets "dumped" in the
>wild to be attacked and harmed by people or other animals.  Of course
>responsible pet ownership is necessary for all pets, but it is particularly
>important for those types of animals that have not had the long history of
>domestication that dogs and cats have had.  So it is for the protection of
>these animals that the AVMA provides its guidelines.
>
>We applaud your efforts as a responsible ferret owner.  Keep up the good
>work.  We hope you will continue to visit the AVMA Network.  After we have
>completed our expansion of our "Care for Animals" we hope you will let us
>know what you think!
>
>Very best regards,
>
>Diana J. Tomasek
>Online Managing Editor
>AVMA Network -- http://www.avma.org
>email: [log in to unmask]
>
>I forgot to mention, that the policy on rabies has been reviewed by our
>executive board and the language regarding the shedding period was
>stricken.  The changed guidelines now goes to the AVMA House of Delegates,
>who will vote on the recommended change.  If passed, we will update our
>guidelines.  I share this with you to help you understand that AVMA
>policies and guidelines are not made lightly nor are they decided by
>administrative executives with no experience or understanding of the
>issues.  Our policies and guidelines are the result of many months of
>study, dialog and debate among veterinarians from every different
>veterinary discipline and specialty, and from every area of the country.
>As with the ferret guidelines, AVMA policies and guidelines are often
>reviewed and revised when new information comes to light.  The process may
>seem long and not everyone may agree with the decisions made, but as in any
>democratic process, AVMA believes it to be the best way that exists to
>make these often difficult decisions.
>
>Every veterinarian in the U.S. has a delegate in his or her state that
>is represented at the AVMA.  In addition, each state has a veterinary
>medical organization that has representation in our House of Delegates.
>Ferret owners may want to consult their veterinarians and/or state
>organizations to further discuss any issue that concerns them regarding
>these issues.
[Posted in FML issue 2343]