Here is the press release sent out by Ferrets Anonymous regarding the suit.
I talked to Pat on Friday and the warrent for his arrest has been removed
(cancelled?).  For your information here is also the address for Ferrets
Anonymous.
 
Ferrets Anonymous
P.O. Box 3395
San Diego, CA 92163
(619) 584-8427
 
News From Ferrets Anonymous
 
October 9, 1996
 
Arrest Warrant Issued For Leader of Ferrets Anonymous
Ferrets Anonymous Being Sued Over Ferret Bite
 
"This Hasn't Been Our Best Week"
 
Ferrets Anonymous founder and chairman, Pat Wright has been informed that he
is subject to "immediate arrest" and that his "automobile may be seized
without notice." Bail has been set at $5,000.
 
Wright was charged by San Diego animal control on June 27th with failing to
quarantine an animal and concealing information.  The ferret behind all
this, Gabby, belonged to a Clairmont woman and managed to escape.  Gabby was
found down the street, and while waiting to be picked up by the owner, Gabby
bit a 13 year old neighborhood child.  (we don't know the details - bite was
described in the ER as a "slight puncture wound")
 
Wright would not help Animal Control locate the ferret until assured in
writing that Gabby would not be destroyed (ferrets that bite often have
their brain dissected to test for rabies).  Animal Control agreed and Gabby
was turned in for a 14 day quarantine and then flown to Arizona.  However,
upon turning Gabby in for her quarantine Wright was charged with three
misdemeanors.  (failure to quarantine, concealing information and something
that has never been explained) In addition, the child's mother is suing
Ferrets Anonymous for $10,000 for not turning the ferret in.
 
We can not help but feel that Animal Control is being used to punish Ferrets
Anonymous and Pat Wright for their outspokeness on the ferret issue.
California and Hawaii are the last places to ban the domestic ferret.  All
appeals to legalize the ferret have fallen on deaf ears.  The California
Fish and Game Commission is currently trying to get out of hearing further
testimony on the issue, although all evidence (except that published by the
state of California) clearly states that the domestic ferret is a domestic
animal.
 
We fear that this episode is designed to reinstall the fear that California
ferret owners felt before Ferrets Anonymous was formed three years ago.
Ferrets are becoming increasingly popular as pets in California, as
evidenced by the increasing amount of ferret products being carried in
California pet stores.
 
We call on the city attorney's office to drop the charges and concentrate
on real criminals.
 
For more information please call (619) 584-8427
 
End
[Posted in FML issue 1721]