Dear Fellow Ferret Lovers, Chicago is in danger of becoming the next possible FFZ. In response to the recent monkeypox/prairie dog issues, Alderman Edward M. Burke (according to my alderman) proposed a new measure Wednesday, July 9th, that would ban "sale and possession of exotic pets...in the city." For more information go to the following URL and read the second to last paragraph. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0307100074jul10,1,3450072.story ?coll=chi-news-hed I have already had a conversation with my alderman and stated my feelings (in the emphatic negative) about the proposal. I requested a list of the exotics that would be included in this measure. My alderman told me that he is in the process of requesting that list, since he had two boys come into his office concerned about their turtles. With no list of specific breeds, this smacks of a broad and unenforceable proposal; but as a Chicago city resident, I feel it's necessary to notify our city council about our feelings on this topic. My friend who owns guinea pigs has already contacted her alderman, as some vets consider the cavy an "exotic." If you know owners of reptiles, flying squirrels, chinchillas, or other exotics in the Chicago-land area, please notify them as well to call their local alderman and express their opinions. As always, please be polite when speaking to elected officials. Threats and curses never won friends in seats of power. For more information about the Chicago City Council and the alderman of your district, please visit http://www.chicityclerk.com and click on the link "Find Your Alderman". I'm giving my alderman a chance to respond before I go directly to Alderman Burke (since my alderman wasn't 100% sure about who actually proposed the measure). If you're within the Chicago city limits, please give your local representative a call. Also, please notify your vets, so that they can inform pet owners who are not on this list. Many thanks for your attention to this matter! Viki Ferret Owner List Lurker [Posted in FML issue 4212]