Unsurprisingly PETA was 'exagerating'.  We talked with the editor of the
paper local to the area and the reporter that wrote the original AP story.
According to the AP reporter (out of Dover Delaware) only the Mink were
being euthanized.  Also there does not seem to be imminant moves by the
state.  PETA is still pushing to shut down the MINK ranch and is willing to
mislead to get the ferret population riled.  It is possible that the
Maryland state health department veterinarian will try to shut down the
ranch for his own reasons - he has a known bias against ferrets.  We have
also been in touch with the Wicomico county humane society.  If the
government makes a move to shut down the ranch they will be involved.  If
the ranch owner resists the humane society will have to keep the ferrets
and mink until a judge makes a ruling.  We, the AFA, the Bay area ferret
fanatics, the Metro Ferret Rescue League and the Baltimore ferret club are
all watching carefully.  We will do what ever we can to save the ferrets.
Not sure what we could do for the mink.  We'll keep everyone posted.  If we
have to move fast to save the ferrets, we will need the assistance of
anyone and everyone.  We will try to enlist Pam Grant and STAR* if we can
gain control of the ferrets from the humane society and any other shelter
or club interested - it could be thousands of ferrets.  Bay Area Ferret
Fanatics have actually priced trailer to quarantine the ferrets while we
test for disease.
 
EVERYTHING we are doing now is just planning for any scenario.  It is not
even seen as likely at this point though that the ferrets will be seized.
 
bill and diane killian
zen and the art of ferrets
[Posted in FML issue 1200]