From: Mustang Charlie <[log in to unmask]>
>I think the poster of this retort to the Zen bunch doesn't understand what
>was said.
 
Yes, I do understand what was said, and I absolutely disagree with it.  In
the case of the human adoption agency, it is allowed reimbursement for it's
expenses.  Legal fees, lawyers fees, medical expenses, food and housing,
clothing, etc., etc.  The adoption home *does* receive reimbursement from
the fees collected from the *adopters* and those "adoption" fees cover the
expenses 100%.  This is not considered a sale, but they do collect money --
just as I do.
 
This is the same thing that most shelters do.  But, nevermind....I'll speak
to my shelter only.  I spend money for rabies & distemper shots, spay/neuter
& teeth cleaning if necessary, housing & feeding and other maintenance
expenses - toys, laundry, a buncha stuff, and I receive only a small portion
of that expense back in the form of an "adoption" fee.  As a fellow business
person I'm sure you know that a sale is generally something where a profit
is expected or at least atempted.  Take a survey of the ferret shelters and
see how many are making a profit or even attempting to make a profit (vs how
many are continually begging for money/supplies/etc.).  *I* am doing
adoptions, not sales!
 
>The Federal Supreme Court has ruled, that ~~no one~~ can refuse service,
>etc. with out risk of a lawsuit or criminal action.
 
I think you've misconstruded the Federal Supreme Court rulings.  You can't
get out of bed in the morning without *risk* of a lawsuit or criminal action.
 
>As a businessman, I can't even ask a customer to leave my store without
>taking a chance that I will be held liable.
 
As a business person, I can and have asked (potential) customers to leave my
shop/shelter.  I've had "police officer friendly" in to talk to my staff and
they've stated that without any question we can ask anyone to leave the
premises for *any* reason.  This is not to say that the person could not
find a disreputable attorney to threaten a lawsuit, but there's not a hope
in heck that I would be held liable for anything.
 
Sandi
Best Little Rabbit, Rodent & Ferret House
[Posted in FML issue 2005]