A Public Hearing Date Has Been Set for "Intro 627: The Ferret Regulation
Bill"
 
The New York City Council Health Committee will be holding a Public Hearing
on Council Member Kathryn Freed's Ferret Regulation Bill: Intro 627.
 
Date: Thursday, December 7, 2000
Time: 10 am
Location: City Hall, 2nd floor, City Council Chambers
Directions: 4/5/6/N/R/E Subways to "Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall"
 
What does this mean?
 
On June 29, 1999, the New York City Department of Health (DOH) banned
ferrets from New York City's five boroughs.  Although the Department of
Health is not actively seeking out ferret owners, ferrets found in NYC's
five boroughs may be confiscated and turned over to the Center For Animal
Control.  On September 9th 1999, New York City Council Member Kathryn Freed
introduced a bill to override the DOH's ferret ban and legalize ferrets in
NYC's five boroughs.  (A bill is a "law in progress")
 
There are several stages a bill has to go through in order to become a law.
This is a big one!  The City Council Health Committee will look over the
bill and hear evidence from people who are in favor of this bill and also
from people who are against the bill.  YOU can testify at the hearing in
favor of the bill and tell the Committee why it should be made into a new
local law legalizing ferrets in NYC.
 
Based on the information presented at this hearing, the Committee will
decide whether the bill will continue forward or not.  If they approve the
bill, the next step will be for the bill to go before the FULL city council
for a vote.  But first it *must* be approved by this Committee.  (Note:
The Department of Health (DOH), is NOT the same as the City Council Health
Committee.  The City Council Health Committee has never made a decision on
this issue at all.  So be nice!)
 
Mark "Thursday, Dec. 7, 2000, 10 am" on your calendar and plan to be there!
We NEED a good showing.  We also need people to testify before the
Committee.  This is the opportunity for anybody to make themselves heard,
both "ferret professionals" and "regular" citizens of NYC.  Bring
documents, videos, photos, bring yourself, bring friends, bring your vet!
Come even if you don't plan on speaking but you want to be there to show
support.  The more people who show up the better.  BE THERE if it is at
all possible.  -Leave the ferrets at home though!
 
People who would like to speak at the hearing should arrive one hour early
to sign up to speak.  Ferret Veterinarians and other "Ferret Professionals"
should contact NYC Ferrets ( [log in to unmask] ) or Gary Kaskel
( [log in to unmask] ) to make sure they are put on an advanced sign up list.
 
Please bring at least 10 copies of any material you would like to submit at
the hearing to leave behind with the Committee members (statements, photos,
documents...).  Even if you're just going to speak about your own personal
experiences, type up your statement in advance (if possible) and bring at
least 10 copies of your statement printed on your stationary to leave with
the Committee when you're through.
 
In Gary Kaskel's words: "It's VERY IMPORTANT that all ferret owners who
live in the five boroughs of NYC attend to testify they favor passage of
this bill.  The City will definitely show up to oppose it, and may bring
ammunition with them (i.e., hostile vets, bite victims, etc.)"
 
More information on: The New York City Ferret Ban, The Health Committee
Public Hearing, How a Bill Becomes a Law in NYC, and a copy of Intro 627:
The Ferret Regulation Bill, can be found at:
http://members.aol.com/NYCFerrets
[Posted in FML issue 3232]