Remember:
 
1. Any proposals would have to be economically viable (such as increasing
age at shipping by a couple of weeks but not a couple of months) because
otherwise some might increase lab sales while yet others might go back to
being ferret-fur farms.  (MF was not a fur farm, but some others were, and
at least one rather recently.)
 
2. Any proposals would have to be viable for the USDA, too, and not
over-lap onto other animals because of farm lobbyists for the other
animals, and so on.
 
3. Any proposals would have to apply to the entire category of ferret
breeders rather than to one location.
 
4. We need to find out what sorts of things would be applicable to
backyard breeders and which wouldn't.  This is very important; if they
undercut the large farms too badly then the problems in 1. come into play,
plus the ferrets will suffer more and be in worse shape.  If they are
independent of any controls beyond state ones then firmer regs for large
breeders could actually damage the lives of more ferrets than they help.
Remember that it is not always clear who controls what, and levels of
control can not be assumed, but must be confirmed.
 
5. Any proposals would have to be stated calmly in a constructive fashion,
with current and accurate data, and without the tabloid quality of stuff
that comes from some sources since that would be completely self-defeating.
 
6. Reasonable time-frames in which to reach the assorted goals would need
to be considered.
 
7. If pet store suggestions are made then those must consider human
health as well as ferret health to even be read by gov't officials.
 
8. Suggestions for consideration must fit within existing power structures.
 
So, if you want to do check with USDA, please, do so.  If you have
suggestions, please, mention them here on list for discussion.
[Posted in FML issue 3179]