The hearing on Monday was before the Health Committee of the New York City Council for that committee to decide whether the legislation proposed by Council Member Kathryn Freed to legalize ferrets in New York City should go before the entire City Council. Mary and I got up early in the morning so we could take a train in and go to the hearing. I videotaped what I could of the proceedings, but have not yet had a chance to review it. The video may be a bit shaky (I'm still on prednisone and can't hold a camera steady) but hopefully the audio will be okay. Depending on how much time I have available I'll either have some of the testimony up on the FerretTV.com site in the next few days or just after Christmas (we're busy trying to fill orders as soon as they come in). About 20-30 ferret folks showed up, many of whom testified before the committee. Many who testified were veterinarians (some received applause!), but there were also some regular old ferret folks who testified. Mary testified (as editor of Modern Ferret magazine and author of two books on ferret care) that ferrets are a domesticated animal (thanks to Bob Church for supplying the scientific background for this argument). The ASPCA sent in their testimony in favor of legalization. No one spoke against the legislation. The New York City Department of Health did not show up -- but they sent in their testimony opposing the legislation. It was the only "anti-ferret" testimony. The Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Victor Robles, seemed receptive to the various people who spoke. He was interested and listening and even asked some thoughtful questions about some of the testimony. It was our impression that the hearing went well for ferret owners. Mary also spoke with a reporter from the LA Times who told her that Peter Vallone, the head (the Speaker, I believe is his title) of the City Council stated that it is his feeling that the burden of proof is on the City's administration to prove to him (and, presumably, other members of the City Council) that ferrets are in fact a danger -- he thinks they are not. He is currently supporting the legislation (yay!). We feel that things look pretty good for this legislation right now -- but that doesn't mean New Yorkers can rest. We can only rest after ferrets have been legalized. We will await news as to whether the Committee turns the legislation over to the full Council for vote -- though we strongly suspect this will indeed happen. If you live in New York City, you should check the NY City Ferrets web site at http://members.aol.com/NYCFerrets for updates. The next step for New York City people will be to write to or meet with their City Council Member to let him or her know you'd like them to support this legislation (Intro. 627). Letters should also be sent to Peter Vallone and to Mayor Giuliani. Please check the web site above for addresses and specifics about writing to these people. The City Council is the best bet for New Yorkers to get ferrets legalized and they should all be treated with respect. Remember -- your City Council Member may already support the legislation. As a side note, despite the media's insistence on using a photo of a black-footed ferret (ugh!), there seems to be a fairly positive spin in the news on the ferret issue so far. Let's hope it continues. -- Eric Modern Ferret Magazine - For ferret owners. By ferret owners. Mary & Eric Shefferman & the Fuzzies: Knuks, Trixie, Bosco da Gama, Balthazar, Cauliflower, Koosh, and Gabrielle http://www.modernferret.com http://www.modernferretstore.com [Posted in FML issue 3273]