Concerning the person who believes someone threw a ferret on the floor
at a ferret show, and did not think anyone would believe her if she said
anything....
 
It would be a good idea if we ALL thought about what we would say to an
individual who was abusing a ferret at a show or shelter or elsewhere.
That way you will be prepared to respond to assist the animal.  Thinking
ahead of what you would do will allow you to respond immediately instead
of wishing that you had.
 
I cannot think of any excuse that is forgivable for thowing a ferret on
the floor.  Nipping is NOT an acceptable excuse.
 
Please see if there are any other witnesses to the wrong doing.  You will
want to talk to them.  Then go up to the person who hurt the ferret and
say what you have rehearsed in your mind.  Then see who you should make a
complaint with at the show.  People who are comfortable enough to abuse
an animal in public may well do it with regularity in private.
 
You will probably not be believed when you place the report.  A normal
person reporting conduct unbefitting a shelter operator or director or
board member that is honored and revered?  Fat chance anyone will
believe it possible.  Nope.  Your name will most likely be mud.
 
Good chance you will be thought a liar or that you saw things incorrectly
and are acusing the person unjustly.
 
But the person who did the damage will know that you know the truth and
reported it.  This may open his or her eyes to the seriousness of the
physical abuse.  And if another person ever sees the same thing...they
will remember what you said.  It will be that much easier for the second
person to report it.
 
Are you in the ferret community for the glory or for the genuine love of
and concern for the animal?
 
Take a few minutes while driving today.  What would you say if you saw
someone at a show being abusive or putting a ferret in jeapordy?  What
would you say to the person in charge if you felt it necessary to see
that person after talking with the individual that appeared to be abusive
towards the ferret?
[Posted in FML issue 5008]