Although I am sure that the original premise of the "Do Not Adopt" group was one of good intention, I think the role of maintaining a database containing names of individuals not permitted to adopt needs to be fulfilled by local Humane Societies. With Humane Societies heading in the direction of maintaining a central registry, the future promises the possibility that individuals found guilty of inhumane animal practices, by law, can and will be prevented from adopting regardless of where they move within North America. Ideally, but probably not for a long time coming, these registries may even span between continents. To best benefit the animals in your shelter, I would suggest developing a good relationship with your local Humane Society. Once they realize your dedication to the animals in your care, and animal welfare in general, they may be willing to search their files upon your request for the name of a particular adopter that you are suspicious of, or have genuine concerns about. Once a trusting relationship has been developed between your shelter and the Humane Society, they may also be willing to add the names to their files of individuals that you have encountered and can prove are not suitable pet owners. An example of this may be where you take in an animal that is in extremely poor health condition or that has been subjected to starvation. If you have a contract from the person signing ownership of the animal over to you or a shelter that clearly states that a) they are the owner, and b) the amount of time they had this animal in their care, in conjunction with a report from your veterinarian stating that the animal was neglected or abused, and that the animal's condition was preventable, then this can provide the Humane Society with a red flag if this individual were to attempt adopting from their shelter, or even provide them with enough evidence to prevent adoption altogether. Even some of the pet stores in my area maintain a list of individuals not permitted to purchase animals from their stores, and are willing to accept names that our local shelter provides based on valid concerns and obvious cases of neglect, cruelty, or abuse. While it is unethical to wrongfully place someone's name on such a list because of personal reasons, or for inhumane animal practices that they could not be convicted for by law, it is also unethical to wrongfully accuse someone of being the accuser. Bob Church was mentioning that people in this country are innocent until proven guilty. This goes for those standing accused as well as those being accused of accusing! Now that is a mouthful! From lurking on this mailing list for several years now, it sounds like many of you have been operating shelters for quite some time. Perhaps the best idea for now is to go with your gut when deciding who are suitable adopters for your ferrets. [JH] [Posted in FML issue 4139]