Has anyone considered why the November plea from Doug McKay? Could it have been out of desparation because he was unable to care for his animals himself? Is Mr. McKay able to care for himself or does he rely on his daughter and son for his personal care? Have the Ohio legislators, the Mayor, and Governor been contacted about the situation? Legislators are voted into office by district residents and they are a valuable resource when issues arise. From the Ohio constitution - Every citizen may freely speek, write, and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of the right;.... Hmmmm... Most states have domestic animal cruelty laws. I found this for Ohio. http://www.animallaw.info/statutes/stusoh959_01_99.htm#painless 959.13 Cruelty to animals NO person shall.... (1)....or confine an animal without supplying it during confinement with a sufficient quantity of good wholesome food and water... (2)Impound or confine an animal without affording it, during such confinement, access to shelter from wind, rain, snow, or excessive direct sunlight if it can reasonably be expected that the animal would otherwise become sick or in some other way suffer. (4)Keep animals other than cattle, poultry or fowl, swine, sheep, or goats in an enclosure without wholesome exercise and change of air... 959.131 Cruelty Against Companion Animal Should apply to ferrets but doesn't specifically list them. Ferrets are 'Companion Animals'. Another source to check is the Federal Animal Welfare site - http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/index.shtml [Posted in FML 5542]