Hello everyone,
 
The California Department of Fish and Game is very selective in its
enforcement of the ridiculous ban on ferrets in California these days.  If
you're an attorney, ready to challenge the law, they leave you alone.  If
you're someone without that kind of capacity, they're vicious.
 
October 30, 1997:
 
A Department of Fish and Game warden, identified as Dan Butler, entered the
home of Teri Abshire of Ontario, California, allegedly over her objections
and without a search warrant by threatening her with jail.  According to
Teri, he threatened to shoot her dog, and denied her request to get her
prescribed pain medicine while he searched for ferrets.  He then issued her
a citation even though she broke no law-- he found no ferrets in her house.
She owns three ferrets which were being cared for at the home of a friend
who was also cited.  Possession of domestic ferrets (not ownership) is
illegal under the law.
 
November 5, 1997
 
The Department of Fish and Game failed to even show up, let alone cite a
ferret owner, despite being notified by certified mail that the ferret and
owner would be present on the steps of the State Capitol.  The California
Highway Patrol, whose jurisdiction includes the Capitol, also failed to cite
the ferret owner for possession of the animal, though he was threatened with
being cited for failing to obtain a permit to hold a rally.  In the end,
ferret legalization signs were confiscated, but not the ferret.
 
Why They Do What They Do!
 
What kind of capricious agency would use the law to harass and intimidate
Teri Abshire yet refuse to enforce the same law a few days later in
Sacramento?  One that knows their regulation banning ferrets has a fatal
legal flaw: ferrets are incorrectly listed as wild and that is the only
reason DFG maintains a hold on them.  Domesticated animals are private
property, according to our own State Constitution, and are not subject to
DFG regulations.
 
Californians, if you are cited, or know someone who is, please contact
Californians for Ferret Legalization immediately.  We may be able to defend
your case-- unless DFG turns tail and runs away again.
 
Please call, Floyd Carley at 650 854-7784 if you are cited for possession of
a ferret in California.
 
Jeanne Carley
Californians for Ferret Legalization (CFL)
410 Mountain Home Road  Woodside, CA  94062
(415) 851-3750   <[log in to unmask]>
http://www.ferretnews.org-- CFL Website
CALIFORNIANS, YOU CAN FIND OUT YOUR STATE SENATOR BY VISITING THIS SITE!!
 CALL AND WRITE YOUR SENATOR AND GOV. WILSON--DON'T LET OUR BILL DIE!
[Posted in FML issue 2128]