I will be posting the following letter to Mayor Richard Daley in Chicago on Sat am... I urge you ALL to write a similar letter-- BEFORE ferrets are restricted and classified as exotic animals. The trend to erradicate ferrets as pets by exotic ruling is spreading across the US-- We need to STOP it here.. before it is too late. Please read and draft your copy TODAY ALL letters need to be received by WEDNESDAY! Alicia D. ferret owner & advocate ...... Dear Mayor Daley, I am writing to you today with regard to the matter of legalization of the domesticated ferret in IL and the position that your facing et al listing as an exotic animal. Your opposition on deaming this animal a companion animal is unfounded and relies on many untruths. These false statements can be countered and are backed up by historical documentation and research. Regarding this well loved animal, the domesticated ferret, firstly, you have likely heard heretofore that surveys of all 50 states were solicited regarding feral ferret population in the late 1990's and not one state in the entire United States reported any. Additionally the implied reports by CA officials of feral ferrets on Vachon Island is also totally false. I have conversed with several families who have been in residence there over the years, one just this past week who coincidentally have not seen any presence of feral ferrets on the island EVER! You may not be aware of the important historical significance of the domesticated ferret they were domesticated about 2,000 years prior to the cat. Domesticated ferrets first arrived ( immigrated) to the US on sailing ships in the 1700's with explorers and early colonists. This is documented and I would be glad to supply the information for you. These animals, which you are so adverse to, were employed by the humans in the capacity of rodent control. The ferrets chased rats & mice from the cargo areas of sailing ships (and later barns) to keep food stores healthy for the settlers. Yes, they served a purpose in our existence as rodent control until the mid- late 1800's when chemical pesticides were invented. In other countries England, France, Australia - ferrets are employed or utilized to this day for the purpose of rodent control and also for ferreting out hares which are utilized for meat & fur trades (though I may not be in support of these venues), these ferrets are trained and kept much as a oxen, or draft horse would be in an agricultural capacity. In no case are these animals feral or exotic. Exotic would mean that the animal is not found here and the domesticated ferret has been in the United States as long as humans have been here invading the continent and depriving the native American Indians of their rightful lands! These domesticated ferrets are supplied with food, water & housing just like any cat or dog or horse kept by humans for companionship. The CDC has ruled like companion dogs and cats they receive USDA approved vaccinations for rabies and canine distemper. The CDC would not have made this ruling IF the domesticated ferret posed a problem with human life or safety. Nor would the USDA be approving vaccines for use if this was a dangerous animal or threat. In the US today ferrets are still employed in the construction trades by US contractors who build high rises, nuclear plants and submarines. In this capacity ferrets run cables though conduits. In these capacities the ferrets are trained & kept as pets. Checking any historical archive you will find: 1- The Colonial Navy in the US had three vessels all named the USS Ferret. Interesting right? These vessels were named by their captains for the mascots, the ferrets which kept the food stores healthy for the ships attendants. 2- The USS Constitution also had a mascot ferret. 3- Early settlers employed ferreters to keep there stockyards and barns rodent free. In all cases the ferrets worked for humans and provided a service. They were kept- not gathered in the wild. 4- Several located early American trade journals marketed cages, feed supplies and more for ferrets which were raised for rodent control purposes and kept by human caretakers. Though a related species of the animal (Black footed ferret) resides facing extinction in desserts in Wyoming etc., the domesticated ferret is not the same animal. Much in the same as the wolf and domesticated canine are not the same animal. As a volunteer educator with more than 13 years experience within the humane and ferret community, I urge you to please bring the concerned Chicago committee members out of the dark ages. To appreciate the historical significance of the species Mustela Furo, and to reverse your opposition to acceptance of the domesticated ferret as a companion animal in Chicago and any and all other US territories. In closing, ferrets are not EXOTIC animals, they have earned respect and dignity in their evolution serving human creatures. Ferrets should not be categorized, scrutinized and deprived of human companionship in a political strong-arm tactic. The opposition and lack of respect for historical data on the domesticated ferret by your organization shows a selfish and callous self serving attitude to the animal community. Please consider reversing your stand on this issue, only then will I and the others I teach hold your organization in high esteem. Sincerely, Alicia Drakiotes, humane educator [Posted in FML issue 4248]