Currently, many legislative challenges are facing ferrets and the ferret community nationwide. Many of these pending legislative actions have not only repercussions on the welfare of ferrets, but also their health. Now, an action is being brought before the United States Department of Agriculture and the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service that would request a revision in the requirements for breeding farms ALREADY under USDA control. The proposed changes would not apply to small breeders who sell privately; rather they would apply only to breeders who breed ferrets for wholesale to the pet industry, their distributors, and the transport they use. This action requests that the departments review the current protection provided for ferrets, and revise them to provide more breed specific needs. Currently, no ferret specific guidelines are available for the protection of the health and welfare of farmed ferrets - and several groups would like to see this matter addressed. Within the next several months, proposed regulations will be available for public review and commentary. At this time, however, it is critical to convince the Department of Agriculture that ferrets need - and deserve - breed specific protection equal to that of dogs and cats. Attached is a copy of the petition submitted to the United States Department of Agriculture recommending that these needs be addressed. YOU CAN HELP! Please contact: Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman 1400 Independence Avenue SW Room 312-E Whitten Building Washington, DC 20250 [log in to unmask] 202-720-3631 Bobby Acord, Administrator APHIS 1400 Independence Avenue SW Room 200-A Whitten Building Washington, DC 20250 [log in to unmask] 202-720-3668, Fax 202-720-3054 and Your federal congressional delegation - use the below websites if you are unsure who to contact. http://www.house.gov/writerep/ http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm and let them know that the general public is concerned about the welfare of these popular animals, and for the health of ferrets across the United States, better regulations should be implemented - most specifically, breed specific regulations. -------------------------- Petition March 10, 2004 Petition for Rulemaking Submitted by: International Ferret Congress Sandra C. Kudrak, DVM, DABVP Ferret Wise Rescue and Rehabilitation Shelter West Central Ohio Ferret Shelter Ferret Lovers Club of Texas Maryland Ferret PAWS, Inc. Support Our Shelters Ferret Rescue of Maine Western Maine Ferret Rescue Submitted to: Mr. Bobby Acord Administrator of the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service and Ms. Ann M. Veneman Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture Dear Sir and Madam: We are petitioning the United States Department of Agriculture regarding the lack of adequate protection for the domestic ferret (Mustela furo) under the current provisions of the Animal Welfare Act. Currently, the domestic ferret is considered to be one of the most popular companion animals in the United States as well as around the world. Sadly, the protection afforded to it by the Animal Welfare Act does not take into account the specific biological, physiological, and social needs of this animal in a manner consistent with other household pets such as cats and dogs. Given practices such as early and forced weaning, ferret kits are being shipped too young, resulting in large numbers of animals becoming ill during or shortly after transport. Many more animals develop significant behavioral abnormalities (such as aggression not normally seen in ferrets) because their inherent needs are not being met during the weaning and transportation process. Additionally, ferret kits are arriving to pet stores malnourished and ill. Starvation, pneumonia, prolapsed rectums, and seizures are regularly documented. These animals, because of behavior and health problems, are being relinquished in large numbers to shelters and private individuals willing to attempt to rehabilitate them. Unfortunately, many are unable to recover to a state which makes them adoptable, causing a huge burden on the shelters as well as the general public. The lack of protection afforded to this animal is contrary to both the language and Congressional intent of the Animal Welfare Act. We formally request that the rulemaking be instituted to provide for adequate regulations specifically addressing the unique needs of ferrets as has been done for other species. The above parties are available and willing to provide their experience and expertise to see that fair, legal, and adequate regulations be drafted. We ask that the agency take immediate action to remedy these violations of the Animal Welfare Act. ------------------------- This message may be freely distributed to other individuals, lists, newsletters, and websites as long as it appears in its entirety and without any changes to either the letter or the petition, both of which must appear together. [Posted in FML issue 4456]