First I want to say that I run a ferret shelter. I am not condemning Ferretguy for doing so. I wish there were more shelters. But, I do need to say that if I lived next to him, I'd be complaining to the city. I wouldn't want to live next to or near someone with a vending machine in their yard. Or auto seats, household furnishings or anything else that is not "normal" yard furniture. Having that type of thing going on in a neighborhood definitely brings down property values, as well as lengthening days on market for home sales. I am able to contain all needed items for my shelter in my home (which isn't that big). From the outside there is no indication that there is a shelter. When my volunteers come over, it is one or two at a time, and as far as the neighbors are concened, I have friends visiting. If I take shelter or ferret related items outdoors, such as to clean them, I bring them back in immediately after using the item. I take rather great lengths to keep my home orderly (especially the yard and porches) and not stand out in the neighborhood, for the exact purpose of not running into trouble with the town. I feel that as long as I remain low key, and there is no indication of the shelter, there will be no reason for anyone to complain. My guess is that 90% of my neighbors don't even know it exists, which is just fine by me. They do know I have ferrets, which is important so if one ever gets out it increases the chances I'll get it back. But they don't know how many, and that I am a shelter. I have made complaints about people in my neighborhood storing household furniture, car seats, old appliances and such on their porches and property. It becomes an eyesore, not to mention a possible safety hazard. Rather than car seats and such, why not invest a few dollars in folding lawn chairs that can be stored when not in use? How about a nice shed in back to put your vending machine in? I'm not trying to be rude, but the way you described your property the other day, it sounded like "Sanford and Son", and even if I liked you--not saying I don't, I wouldn't want it next to me. I have to agree with Beth that you should just pay the fines on the violations and be done with it. The violations were for eyesores, not the shelter. You have basically brought the shelter into what was a property situation, not a shelter situation with the way I am understanding the facts. Some times you need to pick your fights. I'm afraid you may have picked yours wrong, and your ferrets will suffer for it. [DA] [Posted in FML issue 3372]