Hi list readers, Are their animal welfare advocates out there? In postings I keep reading the same questions over and over, I also keep hearing those asking if the manufactured (mill generated for retail profit) - prematurely altered ferrets which succumb to so many illnesses are actually good pets. What WE as ferret friends and caretakers can do to counter or sway the bombardment of pet retail with these early alter ferrets are: 1. Finding out what state or local body governs retail pet operations and getting the contact information in line IN CASE you have a legitimate complaint to file. 2- Writing letters to local chain and pet shops asking them PLEASE NOT to STOCK the new early altered ferrets or early alter Peter's Rabbits would be nice! If you are associated with any ferret or bunny rescues they can give you reasons to state why these readily available animals do NOT need retail promotion. 3- WRITE LETTERS TO THE EDITORS in all local newspapers-- Remind folks that animals are not and should not be used as gifts Birthdays, Christmas,or other holidays are not the time to surprise a person with a living gift. ESPECIALLY when they do not know HOW to care for them, or they do not reside in a animal friendly location. Remind the readers of the papers you write to that a wise choice is bringing home pets is when they are consciously adopted through animal shelters - on Holidays or any day! A gift certificate for a shelter adoption is always a better investment than retail purchasing. 4- PET SHOP INTERVENTION -You can try to dissuade shoppers - tactfully, at pet shops by offering advice and your experiences with the early alter ferrets-- how many shoppers will be excited to hear the costs of adrenal & insulinoma surgeries a few years down the road? You may not last long but intervention at any costs is worth a try! 5. Report infractions at pet retail locations . Pets without food or water, pets left in dirty cages, pets appearing ill, unattended. Document all the information in a notebook including the following: A. Date of observance - visitation B. Name of Location C. Address D. Names: of attendants on duty E. A full report - accounting of circumstances which prompted your report. F. Be aware that if this report is followed up or acted upon you may well be called to submit testimony at a hearing. This is where the information on which department oversees pet retail in your area will make a difference. You WANT to report these infractions to the same office that the pet shop pays their license fee, that is who will determine enforcement regulations. Enforcement of pet shop negligence will help in the end educate the caretakers, employees, managers and the chains who govern the store policies. It is a lot of work- and seemingly takes too long-- BUT without action things do not change, however they may get worse! 6 - START NOW - to amass support in your local state for abolishment of early age of sale -- get a minimal an 8 week law - determined by canine eruption- on the way. UNLESS we get intervention from USDA -- it is up to us to start the process- let local legislators know early alter pets ( ie ferrets & rabbits) are unwise in consumer protection - as they generate high veterinary expense and poor health to the animal. We have managed to get 8 weeks age of sale in 2 states nationally-- lets go for more-- then more states that enact the regulations will demonstrate to USDA there IS A NEED! THE MAIN PROBLEM REMAINS - If one company starts this tasteless marketing ( AND IT HAS) the problem is more competitors will follow -- none of them want to lose any profits.... History has shown this to be the case with ferrets -- I can barely remember when ferrets were sold at 12 weeks of age with a 10 week neuter--- then it was common for ferrets to live to 9 1/2 years.... not so now. WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER SO - lets step up and take efforts for THE ANIMALS! Alicia Drakiotes IFC Education Coordinator www.ferretcongress.org [Posted in FML issue 4621]