Anyone interested in Ferretguy's case can find some of the applicable codes online at the following URLs. They are long, so you may have to copy and paste into your browser's address window in pieces to get it all. The first URL provided will place you at the beginning of the chapter regarding animals. http://fws.municode.com/CGI-BIN/om_isapi.dll?advquery=Enter%20Query%20Here &infobase=10331.nfo&record={84E}&softpage=mccdoc Another section of Aurora code which the city may consider to apply is the chapter on Environment. http://fws.municode.com/CGI-BIN/om_isapi.dll?advquery=Enter%20Query%20Here &infobase=10331.nfo&record={147F}&softpage=mccdoc and the chapter on zoning: http://fws.municode.com/CGI-BIN/om_isapi.dll?advquery=Enter%20Query%20Here &infobase=10331.nfo&record={335E}&softpage=mccdoc There are other chapters that might contain code referenced by the city as well, but I haven't had time to skim them all. Use the Table of Contents option to help you find these. Items of note I've seen so far: 1) Ferrets are not prohibited by the city. 2) A limit on the number of ferrets is not specifically noted, nor does it fit within a general definition. Limiting the number of animals could be approached from the stance of public nuisance or danger to public health, but they would have to prove same. 3) Many (but not all) of the things defined as a nuisance specify that they must be offensive to "the neighborhood" or to adjoining properties. 4) There is a code requiring rabies vaccination of all animals over 4 months of age unless a report is filed with the state indicating medical reasons that a particular animal may not be safely vaccinated. 5) If officials attempted entry of the property to investigate a suspected violation of the animal codes, refusal to grant entry is defined as an offense. 6) Codes specifically applying to cats and dogs and limiting the number of such animals which may be kept refer to an affirmative defense that the owner/harborer is a registered or licensed animal rescue. I cannot find where such status is defined within city codes, so I assume this to be a reference to a state or county registration/license. I cannot recall if Ferretguy has such status, but wondered if he does if this would help his defense? If one is going to write to the judge, having read codes that might be used to prohibit Randy and Gloria's activities would be useful. Having worked on legalization issues, I've found the way you can be most successful is to "play the game" their way. In some cases or even just with a single official you'll find someone rabid to use any excuse to prohibit/restrict ferrets and ferret (or just animals in general) related activities. But most of the people are simply trying to execute their job as they feel best or required and will work with you when they feel they can. Stay on a reasonable, even tone and acknowledge the snags in the law if needed when they exist but try to find the wiggle room within them. A reasoned plea for humane issues for the animals and reminder of the lightened government burden (by way of breed rescues) is appropriate if you can dial down the emotion. Good luck to you Randy! Debra in Fort Worth [Posted in FML issue 3366]