Regarding the decision made in Oregon. I can only imagine what Kristine and Chris found when they arrived at the "shelter" They we going upon the intent of taking the kids to a new shelter.. not as a rescue attempt. When they arrived they found ferrets with not a drop of food or water in their cages. They were filthy, very sick old kids in need of immediate care, etc., etc. Jeez, one was seizing right before their eyes. I don't know about Oregon but in Texas once you get the Animal control involved they seize the properly. THEY deem who is worth saving and who is not. That horrible biter the first time she bit someone would be quarantined and perhaps put down. The older kids that looked so skinny and sick would not get the care they needed (I mean, I ve been through, volunteered at etc at our local animal control and see what happens) They take the strongest , and the ones that look the best and treat them. Did you know that when there is a pending case (in-humane treatment or abuse ) against an individual or group (shelter) the animals can NOT be released out of their custody (animal control) even to foster the animals. That's the way the game is played here as I found out when two young biting , abused kids were taken from a lady in F Worth due to abuse I was not able to foster them until after the court hearing. It's not about us footing the bills it's about SOMEONE helping, anyone. The autorities won't do their jobs because they just don't care. The Human Society where available helps as much as they can but a lot of cities don't have one available let alone the vets to treat exotics. They are getting the care they need where they are not stuck in tiny little loney cages with maybe someone to talk to them once a day if they are lucky. The have Kristine and Chris and they couldn't be in better hands. Although I understand what you are saying... NOTHING with ever be done until we force the legal system to stand up for the rights of animals. i mean , look at the whole Jen Morrision deal... Animals lots of them lay DEAD in their cages, most so sick they couldn't stand up etc.. and this was witnessed by a lot of people. Things were documented... lawyers were brought forth etc etc. The legal system as it stands for cruelty to animals is minimal if at all. The 2nd time Morrison was brought to trial everyone knew the cruelty she imposed on on Spirit, it was proven but look what happened. NOTHING, she is still avertising as a rescue even when it goes against her court orders...To hell with court, it serves no purpose where animals are concerned unless its animal against human. If it came down to it, I would have done the same thing. I would think of the animals well being first instead of the consequences. Leaving the DUTY up to local law enforcement as far as rendering help and assistance and letting these kids be taking care of is a farce. Several would have probably been put down.... do you actually think these oldersters would have had someone to hand feed them evey three hours??? Don't think so. Im sorry, Im realistic. If leaving them there and calling authorities, taking pictures (which we don't even know they didn't do) etc would have been in their best interest I would agree.. but it really doesn't work the way we wish it would. Otherwise, there would not be so many animals put down every day of every hour needlessly. Unfortuntaly, I only know of one state thus far that has imposed very strict laws against animal abuse. Until more states do it.. most people that choose to take on these "shelters" and "collectors" that abuse and neglect animals are just in to have their pocket books and spirits broken. The only justice for the animals is people like you, and the other shelters, individuals that ARE good to do what you joined forces to do.. Save the ones that can be saved, nurture the ones that can be nurtured back to health and protect and save those who cannot save themselves be it ferrets, cats, dogs any other of God's creatures. Our legal system puts innocent people behind jail everyday.... And leave the guilty to run free. Me...I'd rather do what I can when I can no matter what. because I choose not to waste lives, innocent animal lives waiting for our justice system and those who take the oath to do something right for a change. Alicia. you're one of the best out there. I firmly believe in you and what you do for these and other wonderful animals. Think about what you are saying.....it never works the way we would wish it to. God only knows I wish it would. But how many animals have to die to prove that? There will always be animal "collectors" shelters that are frauds, shelters that are abusive etc. We can't stop them. Hell, we can't even stop humans abusing humans. All we and everyone else can do is help those we can. I know you believe this that letting them deal with it is the way to go.. but in reality. Without someone stepping on their toes and I mean daily, most of them would have been put down as they would have been in Jen Morrisons case. Fines? That doesn't stop people from abuse. When has it ever??? Nope.. just ties up our court systems because people find ways (like her lawyer plea bargaining for lesser charges) You wanna know why again?? Because it's easier and gets the case out the door. Courts are way too backed up to deal with such "dribble" as animal abuse case.. but stick a dog that bites a kid (where the kid provolked or not) in the courst system and by god there is gonna be a hearing quick. See what I mean? Yea, our justice systems works. And you keep believe that having them foot the bills will do it.. go ahead. Never has worked before why now? Why let innocents die or get put to death just because they know nothing and they appear unsavable? Nope, not me I'll stick with my idea. FML'ers please understand that this was not a rescue attempt. It was not a Jen Morrison case from what I understand. Chris was to take the ferrets that the Oregon shelter was no longer going to be able to take care of because of shutting down. This was not an emergency rescue case. Just because animals we're not taken care of like your or I would does not deem an abuse case until we have the full story. Yes, they were without food or water in some case ... and some needed urgent medical care like the seizing girl. But until we know more lets not jump to conclusions and far as abuse or neglect is concerned. What was posted was someone's response to a phone call? This person was close to the "rescues" as it may be and IM sure was visibly upset as well. IM sure we'll hear more about this at a later time. Thats my motto and Im sticking to it... Help those we can, that's all we can do Any life is worth saving... any life period. Leanne B [Posted in FML issue 3925]