Pamala/Johan Mommens <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>On our site we wrote that declawing for ferrets should only be done as a
>last resort.  Since we got so much response on this by ferret lovers, we
>decided to change this by "should never be done"... I would like to hear
>your opinion about this.
 
IMO anyone who takes the responsibility of caring for an animal should
take it as it comes - neutering being the only exception.
 
Animals are not possessions to be moulded to our own way we think they
should look or behave i.e. ear cropping, de-clawing, de-scenting,
de-barking etc.
 
I can't see that de-clawing an animal can benefit it in anyway, in the
case of a ferret it is nothing short of mutilation.  Ferret owners that
insist on this barbaric operation being carried out are not fit to own any
animal - they should stick to stuffed toys, at least they won't scratch
furniture and dig holes in the carpet.
 
--
Sheila
Bolton Ferret Welfare.
Author of "All about your Ferret" - Ringpress  ISBN 1-86054-171-2 (UK)
Barron's  ISBN 0-7641-1189-2 (USA & Canada)
Membership Secretary & Editor of The National Ferret Welfare Society.
Web Site: www.btinternet.com/~sheila/ferrets.htm  last update 26 Jan 2000
Waiting at Rainbow Bridge: Jill, Deanna Troy, Cameron, Carnath, Button,
Bill, Bobby, Jasper, Inga, Holly & Fergle
The views expressed by me are not necessarily those of the NFWS.
[Posted in FML issue 2950]