Remember: 1. Any proposals would have to be economically viable (such as increasing age at shipping by a couple of weeks but not a couple of months) because otherwise some might increase lab sales while yet others might go back to being ferret-fur farms. (MF was not a fur farm, but some others were, and at least one rather recently.) 2. Any proposals would have to be viable for the USDA, too, and not over-lap onto other animals because of farm lobbyists for the other animals, and so on. 3. Any proposals would have to apply to the entire category of ferret breeders rather than to one location. 4. We need to find out what sorts of things would be applicable to backyard breeders and which wouldn't. This is very important; if they undercut the large farms too badly then the problems in 1. come into play, plus the ferrets will suffer more and be in worse shape. If they are independent of any controls beyond state ones then firmer regs for large breeders could actually damage the lives of more ferrets than they help. Remember that it is not always clear who controls what, and levels of control can not be assumed, but must be confirmed. 5. Any proposals would have to be stated calmly in a constructive fashion, with current and accurate data, and without the tabloid quality of stuff that comes from some sources since that would be completely self-defeating. 6. Reasonable time-frames in which to reach the assorted goals would need to be considered. 7. If pet store suggestions are made then those must consider human health as well as ferret health to even be read by gov't officials. 8. Suggestions for consideration must fit within existing power structures. So, if you want to do check with USDA, please, do so. If you have suggestions, please, mention them here on list for discussion. [Posted in FML issue 3179]