I just realized this may not be considered 'ferret' related....unless I explain that I rescued a really sick ferret from this pet store a couple of years ago and it has been an ongoing problem with them selling kits with giarrdia, unsanitary conditions, too high temperatures in the ferret "aquarium", lack of food and water in cages, and bunches of other things that are ferret-related.......does it qualify now, BIG? :-) [OK... BIG] I have been busy researching state law regarding food/water/care requirements for pet stores and have not found any in the state of Arizona except pertaining to dogs and cats. That's hard to believe!! I have spoken to the Humane Society president here, but it seems that no one is aware of any regulations or guidelines, but she thinks it would be an excellent idea to create some! A Humane Society Board of Directors meeting is being called to address the problem and I am in the process of compiling a list of food/water/housing requirements that Humane Society officers could utilize as a starting point in future 'random inspections' of pet stores. I'm already thinking "uh oh....I think I've gotten myself into a job here!", but just think of the (measurable) difference it could make!! I'm really excited about the possibility and think my time would be much better spent that way than making huge signs and staging protests outside the pet store! Upon examination, it appears the Humane Society is more than willing to enforce and prosecute, but as it stands they can only step in if there is 'obvious' abuse/neglect, such as animals in distress from lack of food/water, etc. This could mean the store will be held to a higher standard of care and animals won't have to be nearly dead before drawing enough attention to bring the Humane Society into the picture. I am wondering if other states/cities/counties have regulations for their pet stores. It would be helpful to me if a bunch of you would take a minute and call your local ASPCA or Humane Society and ask if there are regulations concerning 'minimum care requirements' (especially in regards to food/water/appropriate housing) for pet stores in your area - and do they apply ONLY to dogs and cats? Do they have regular/random inspections to be sure the facilities are up to code? If there ARE regulations in your area, could you please send me a copy? If you do contact your local authorities and find there are NOT regulations of any type in your area, would you let me know that also? Maybe this thing will grow bigger than we had ever imagined. (I already have dreams of it being called "Turnip's Law" (smile). It will be interesting to say the least............I have a feeling we have found a "black hole" that needs to be illuminated. Thanks! jacquie & the boys (Loki, Morgan & Turnip) and Sara the Wonderdog [log in to unmask] [Posted in FML issue 3024]