In answer to one of your queries >2. Domestic and feral cats and dogs damage the eco system of NZ, as well >as stoats and feral ferrets. But because of the 5 leashed ferrets found >being walked on a beach off of NZ where no ferrets were allowed-the >public outcry was so great that politicans decided to ban ferrets. Is >this correct? The five ferrets that were taken onto an offshore island several weeks ago might have added to the resolve of the anti-ferret lobby, however the process that has resulted in this ban has been going on for several years, and the enabling legislation was (very quietly) introduced to Parliament last year. This incident cannot therefore be blamed for the current situation. John Chessum Legal Affairs Officer Ferret PAWS (NZ) Inc [Posted in FML issue 3742]