Dear Fellow Ferret Lovers,
 
Chicago is in danger of becoming the next possible FFZ.  In response
to the recent monkeypox/prairie dog issues, Alderman Edward M. Burke
(according to my alderman) proposed a new measure Wednesday, July 9th,
that would ban "sale and possession of exotic pets...in the city." For
more information go to the following URL and read the second to last
paragraph.
 
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0307100074jul10,1,3450072.story
?coll=chi-news-hed
 
I have already had a conversation with my alderman and stated my feelings
(in the emphatic negative) about the proposal.  I requested a list of the
exotics that would be included in this measure.  My alderman told me that
he is in the process of requesting that list, since he had two boys come
into his office concerned about their turtles.
 
With no list of specific breeds, this smacks of a broad and unenforceable
proposal; but as a Chicago city resident, I feel it's necessary to notify
our city council about our feelings on this topic.  My friend who owns
guinea pigs has already contacted her alderman, as some vets consider the
cavy an "exotic." If you know owners of reptiles, flying squirrels,
chinchillas, or other exotics in the Chicago-land area, please notify
them as well to call their local alderman and express their opinions.  As
always, please be polite when speaking to elected officials.  Threats and
curses never won friends in seats of power.
 
For more information about the Chicago City Council and the alderman of
your district, please visit http://www.chicityclerk.com and click on the
link "Find Your Alderman".  I'm giving my alderman a chance to respond
before I go directly to Alderman Burke (since my alderman wasn't 100%
sure about who actually proposed the measure).  If you're within the
Chicago city limits, please give your local representative a call.  Also,
please notify your vets, so that they can inform pet owners who are not
on this list.
 
Many thanks for your attention to this matter!
 
Viki
Ferret Owner
List Lurker
[Posted in FML issue 4212]