The 2 following items are posts from Linda Iroff that can be found
in the FML archives. They explain why previous efforts were not
successful.

Again, the fact that things did not work out as we had hoped they would
does not mean that another effort is a waste of time. If people are
interested in this, please speak up, and let's try this again.

One thing I think we should consider, if we are going to undertake such
an effort is that we work with other animal groups, like those for
rats, guinea pigs, birds, etc. All of these species need to be better
covered by USDA regulations, and there is always strength in numbers.

From May 23, 2007

>In August 2005, at the request of the IFC and several other ferret
>groups and individuals, the USDA published a notice of petition and
>request for comments on ferret specific standards for the Animal
>Welfare Act. Approximately 1,500 of you responded, urging the USDA to
>enact such standards for the care, handling and transport of ferrets.
>(For background information, see a reprint of an AFA article written
>by Mike Morrett at <http://www.ferretcongress.org/USDA/USDA_AFR.pdf>
>
>The wheels of our government grind slow sometimes, but they do move!
>Recently, Dr. Freddie Ann Hoffman and Dr. Sandra Kudrak wrote to the
>USDA to find out the status of the petition. This is part of the
>response they received:
>
>..."The Agency has discussed the results of this petition and
>had decided that the provisions of [Subpart F-other warm-blooded
>mammals] are adequate to properly ensure the humane care of
>ferrets, with one exception. We believe that the age at which
>the ferrets are transported is important. Therefore, you may be
>pleased to know that we are in the process of publishing a proposed
>rule that would require that ferrets, and other warm blooded
>animals, must be at least 8 weeks old prior to transportation.
>
>Also, since Subpart F consists of general performance standards for
>the most part, you may be happy to know that we will ensure that
>our inspectors are aware of the specific needs of ferrets so that
>they can better enforce these standards We are developing
>training materials specifically for this purpose. In no small
>part, the comments we received are helping us put together this
>training.
>
>Signed
>Chester A. Gipson
>Deputy Administrator"
>[Animal Care, APHIS, USDA]
>
>What does this mean? Well, we won't have ferret specific regulations,
>but they ARE working on an 8-week minimum age for transport, one of
>our key concerns. They are also working on training material so their
>inspectors will know how the generic provisions of Subpart F should be
>applied to ferrets.
>
>It's not a complete success, but it IS an important victory for
>ferrets and their owners!
>
>Linda Iroff
>International Ferret Congress
> <http://www.ferretcongress.org/>


From June 30, 2008

>A few years ago we worked hard to convince the USDA to create ferret-
>specific regulations governing their transport and care. The inside
>word we have gotten is that the ferret industry is too small to
>warrant the creation of such rules.
>
>However, they have created a generic proposal that will set an 8-week
>and weaned requirement for the transport of any warm-blooded animal.
>
>The deadline for comment is JULY 8, 2008! WE MUST ACT NOW!!
>
>Below is a brief description of the proposal and how to submit your
>comments. A sample letter is also attached. Feel free to use it,
>modify it or write your own. (sample letter and instructions removed,
>as they no longer apply)
>
>The main point is that we agree that an 8-week minimum age for
>transport is beneficial to ferrets, both domestic and black-footed.
>
>Please feel free to cross-post.
>
>Linda Iroff
>International Ferret Congress
> <http://www.ferretcongress.org/>

---
The American Council for Ferret Health, Welfare and Policy,
Washington, DC

DEADLINE FOR RESPONSE: July 8, 2008

AGENCY: Federal - USDA - Animal & Plant Health Inspection Agency

REFERENCE: [Docket No. APHIS-2006-0024] RIN 0579-AC14 Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service 9 CFR Part 2 Proposed Rule "Minimum Age
Requirements for the Transport of Animals"

NOTICE: USDA has posted a Period for Public Comment on these
regulations.

IMPACT: Regulations for FERRETS would match those currently in place
for DOGS and CATS. FERRETS would be required to be weaned and at least
8 weeks of age prior to removal from their mothers and transport to a
Retail facility, exhibit, etc. For young animals used in research, the
research must be reviewed and approved by an Institutional Animal Care
and Use Committee (IACUC) along with provisions specified as to care of
animals during transport, if the animals do not meet the minimum age
requirements of 8 weeks.

WHY YOU SHOULD RESPOND: New regulations, while not specific to FERRETS,
would impose new requirements where no prior requirements have existed
for FERRETS.

SUMMARY: US Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposes to amend the
Animal Welfare Act (AWA) regulations by adding minimum age requirements
of 8 weeks for the transport in commerce of animals. Current
regulations require dogs and cats to be weaned and a minimum of 8 weeks
of age before they can be transported from the breeder location to a
retail store or other venue. No regulations currently exist for FERRETS
or other warm-blooded species. The Proposed Regulations would allow,
provided certain conditions are met, for animals to be transported
without their mothers for medical treatment and for scientific research
before reaching the minimum age and weaning requirement. Setting
MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENTS of 8 weeks for the transport in commerce of
animals and providing for the transport of animals that have not met
the minimum age requirements are necessary to help ensure the humane
treatment of these animals.

  ------


Danee DeVore
ADV - If your ferret hasn't been tested, you don't know!
For more information visit:
<http://www.ferretadv.com>
ADV - Find out how you can help:
http://help4adv.terrabox.com/

[Posted in FML 7189]