21 Ferrets were seized from an unlicensed NH ferret shelter in an animal
cruelty case this week.  The courts are expected to decide the fate of the
ferrets by early July as to whether they are to be returned to the owner or
placed in the state's shelter system until homes can be found.
 
One of the people who was involved in the seizure described the conditions
at the unlicensed shelter as "appalling." The ferrets were described as
having to stand and even sleep in their own feces, and the odor, said to
be "gagging."
 
The rescued ferrets were taken to the Cocheco Valley Humane Society.  Our 4
Li'l Paws Ferret Shelter and members of the NH Ferret Owner's Connection
have taken in 11 so far, providing temporary homes and what assistance we
can.  As soon as they are healthy enough, we'll be taking the rest.
 
A local pet store, Pets Choice, in Merrimack, NH donated food toward the
ferrets' care.  We are looking for another local store to donate litter and
cat lax.
 
Major medical problems with some of the ferrets include facial tumors,
serious infections, and at least 5 and possibly 6 are in need of adrenal
surgery.  The Humane Society's vet has agreed to do the adrenal surgeries
for $200/ferret (left or right adrenal), but the shelter desperately needs
money to pay these bills.
 
Please, those of you who can, send a donation, large or small, to:
 
Cocheco Valley Humane Society
262 County Farm Road
Dover, NH  03820
 
Mark the donation: "Ferret rescue."
 
Longer term, once the judge turns over the ferrets to our shelter and the
Humane Society, we will need permanent homes for them.  Anyone in the NH,
MA, VT, RI, ME area who would be willing to adopt one or more of these
ferrets, please email me.  Most are 3-4 years old, and are quite friendly
in spite of their recent treatment.
 
Dick B.
[Posted in FML issue 2337]