>From: SQUEEKS <[log in to unmask]> > >Tonite I stopped in my local Pet Supermarket . This is what I found... > >15 ferrets in a 4 X 4 enclosure. Two small water bottles - one of >which was empty. Food dish - empty. One corner litter box with poop >piled 6+ inches high.... > >What can I do? I have been in this store only three times and have >found similar situations EVERY TIME.... There was a blaze ferret who >seemed to have a problem with its left front leg. I had to leave -- >cause I wanted to take them all home. > >Linda Z. Dear Linda, I know In the past I have posted on the "WHAT TO DO" in a pet retail case similar to yous. WHile I admit this is outrageous fto us ferret friends -- the ONLY WAY you will get any where in a pet retail situation similar to this is to go OUTSIDE the retail chain., Therefore here are a few steps to follow through on to Help Make A DIFFERENCE for many ferrets. (List readers should keep these steps close at hand!) 1. Document everything you saw in detail - the location ( name of store, street address, time of day, account of the problem in detail and account for any employees you contacted ( note whether there was a name badge etc). PUT THIS DOWN IN WRITING SO YOU DO NOT lose the information!!! Details tend to get lost in the shuffle-- you might want to keep a notebook with you for jotting down things on another visit! 2. Call your state capital and inquire which state department oversees Pet retail sales. then WRITE IT DOWN. also take the name of the DIRECTOR of that department and contact information via phone and for mail! 3. Phone the office and ask for the director and apprise him of the circumstances. ASK HIM WHAT CAN BE DONE! (Usually complaints will prompt a in store inspection- they may get a warning the first time of any infractions-- later they can loose their permit to sell the animals-- so repeating this process may be necessary!) Then put your report in writing and mail it to him. This is so he will have a fresh reminder of your call - in case he did not jot things down! Call back in a few weeks to inquire WHAT ACTIONS were taken. Meanwhile you can quietly monitor the store for any changes in condition- documenting as you go! If more clubs and ferret friends did follow this procedure alerting the officials which oversee the petshops about these cases there would be more enforcement. Many times the directors are appointed by the governors office-- so repeat - uncorrected situations can then be dcumented and brought to the attention of the media and the governors office. Over the years I have learned that well wishing does not accomplish as much as bringing the attention to those who have the most power. Letters to the editor when enforcement has been ignored will get a response-- BUT you need to follow the estableished route of protocal first! Best wishes and THANK YOU for taking a stand for the little ones who have no voice! Please let us know how you make out! Alicia Drakiotes, President Ferret Wise www.ferretwise.org IFC Edcuation coordinator www.ferretcongress.org [Posted in FML issue 4843]