The local news channels are reporting the story of a 1 month old girl,
Samantha (I missed the last name), who was biten at least 50 times by the
family's ferret.  The parents had been drinking heavily and slept though any
cries the child may have made.  There were 4 other young children in the
house at the time.
 
When the parents woke, they took Samantha to the hospital, where she
received about 100 stitches, and is doing well.  The parents are in jail
and may be charged with child endangerment.  The other children are in
protective custody.  The ferret has been taken to the Cleveland City Kennel,
216-664-3069.  No decision has been made at this time (according to Channel
43) as to what will happen to the ferret.
 
Ohio state health officials have endorsed the new Compendium regulations,
and that should have been communicated to all local health departments. But
local health depts are able to make their own decisions in these matters if
they choose.
 
The Cleveland City Health Department main number is 216-664-2324.
 
I will post more info as I can get it.
 
Ltinda Iroff
North Coast Ferret Shelter
http://www.oberlin.edu/~liroff/ncfs.html
[Posted in FML issue 2224]