As the result of some recent off list communications with IFC members,
it has become apparent that the IFC needs to clarify a few things about
how it operates.
 
The International Ferret Congress (IFC) is a committee made up of
volunteer members.  Each member as an individual has opinions, and also
has the freedom to express their opinions.  The IFC does not require its
volunteers to take any particular position on issues.  In fact, as an
organization, the IFC promotes free thinking.
 
The members of the IFC Committee are all people who feel a certain
dedication to ferrets, and to other members of the ferret community.
Therefore, they are often quick to provide information when questions
are asked on lists such as the FML, and also to offer advice when it is
requested.
 
It should be noted, though, that when members of the IFC Committee post
advice on lists, they are doing it as individuals, and are not speaking
for the IFC as an organization, unless the post carries a statement
indicating that the post is an official IFC position.
 
As an organization, the IFC has not taken many official positions on
issues.  However, here are a few of the IFC's Official positions, for
anyone who is curious.
 
1) First and foremost, the IFC supports education of ferret owners.  It
is our hope that all ferret owners will take the time to learn as much as
they can about all sides of an issue, so that they (the ferret owners)
can make informed and intelligent decisions about the care of their
ferrets.  Members of the IFC may at times favor one choice over another
in an issue, but that does not mean that the IFC as an organization
favors that choice.  We believe ferret owners have the right to make up
their own minds.
 
2) The IFC supports unity among ferret owners and ferret organizations.
While we do not expect all people to agree on all issues, we encourage
all ferret related organizations to find a common ground and work
together on important issues to benefit ferrets.  We do not promote
division or dissension for political reasons.
 
3) The IFC does support the USDA adopting ferret specific regulations to
govern the housing, transportation and sale of ferrets by wholesalers.
We have worked on this issue in the past, and will continue to do so
with the hope that we can improve conditions for ferret kits.
 
4) The IFC supports encouraging pet food manufacturers to formulate and
produce only high quality ferret foods and treats.  We openly oppose the
selling of any food or treat that contains items that could be harmful to
ferrets.  We further encourage the retailers to sell only healthy ferret
foods and treats.
 
5) The IFC supports ADV testing, education and research.  While we do
not tell people they have to test their ferrets for ADV, we do encourage
testing of all ferrets.  At official IFC events, we have raised funds for
ADV research.  Additionally, we have provided links on the official IFC
website to information about ADV.
 
6) The IFC encourages support for the ferret shelter community.  We have
donated funds to SOS, and have set up the ELF (Emergency Love Fund) to
provide some emergency support for shelters when SOS funds may not be
available.
 
7) The IFC supports medical research for other ferret diseases.  In the
past, we have raised funds for Dr. Williams' Ferret Tissue Bank, and for
DIM research.
 
We, the members of the IFC Committee, hope this message clarifies our
position.  If anyone has questions about anything specific mentioned
here, please feel free to write to someone on the Committee.  Contact
information for all IFC Committee members can be found on our website:
http://www.ferretcongress.org
 
We look forward to working with members of the ferret community in the
future, and hope that we will see many of you at our Forums and Symposia.
 
The International Ferret Congress
[Posted in FML issue 5198]