During: 1. Network: share the load. 2. Have official presence at the seizure. If a court case needs to be pressed having police or governmental officials present reduces the chance of the judge throwing out evidence or even throwing out the case. 3. The other organizations will have their own documentation, but if you are involved, document everything. It can help fill in the gaps. Dates, times, locations, conversations if any, to help recall if needed later. Time has a way of deleting details. 4. Make sure the photos are automatically date and time stamped; this will be needed if the case goes to court. If there is not a date and time stamp include a newspaper from that day in the photos; it's not perfect but it is better than nothing. They need to be regular photos with negatives, not digital photographs. Keep receipts and identifying information on the development of the pictures. Do not cut the negatives so they can be put on disks, etc. later. 5. If you don't have regular camera use an instant camera with date stamping if courts in your area accept those photos, but try to have a regular camera present instead. 6. If you videotape, make sure that it adds the date, and keep the camera rolling constantly so that it does not appear as if you tried to insert your bias by skipping over something which should be considered in court, and so that you can not be accused of altering the tape. 7. Be sure to note the conditions of the ferrets. Outside organizations involved won't always be ferret knowledgeable. They may make an observation about there not being food or water, but the rescuing shelter can and needs to document such things as how many were adrenal, insulinomic, dehydrated, and what medications, vet appointments, surgeries, vaccinations, etc. were required. Here again, a picture is proof. Mast cell tumors, urine burns, hairloss, crusted feces in fur and on toes: things that can document if lack of care is an issue, and things which will cost a shelter to treat or correct. These claims should be backed by veterinary records on hospitsl letterhead and when possible also by dated photographs and their negatives. 8. Keep a good record of the costs incurred and save those receipts. 9. Have authorities proceed with any and all applicable investigations and charges related to existing abuse and negligence prior to removal. 10. Ferrets in any suspected abuse/ negligence case should go to a veterinarian for a documented condition report DIRECTLY after removal from the scene of complaint. This chain of evidence and documentation is mandatory in cases where a judicial condition or penalty is to be levied, as well as for compensation to the rescuers to gotten from the abuser ( ie: compensation for veterinary care, required testing, shelter cost reimbursement, etc.) 11. Have everyone involved sign the documentation, date it, and print their names and contact information. [Posted in FML issue 4222]