>From: [log in to unmask] > >>It would be founded on the fact that he DOES deprive his animals of >>necessary sustenance, he DOES confine his animals without sufficient >>wholesome food and water, and he DOES NOT afford proper access to >>shelter. >Except that the ferrets do have food, water and access to shelter. Are you kidding me? This whole 'rescue' is founded on the fact that they DO NOT have proper access to shelter (8 to a cage, left out in freezing conditions???) Does this not qualify as 'cruelty'? What about frozen and unclean water, improper food, uncared for ferrets that are sick and dying? Are you suggesting that there is NOT cruelty being perpetrated over massess of ferrets here? Being crammed into overcrowded cages and left exposed to killing temperatures does NOT constitute 'proper shelter'!!! I suggested yesterday that McKay be pursued with a lawsuit, and in an extensive post I gave links with the information that I believe backs the stance that he could be brought up on 1000 counts of animal cruelty. There is no other way to 'legally' approach this problem, given lack of specific LOCAL laws. The state-wide animal cruelty laws are the ones that would back us in a lawsuit against him. And I also gave links on how to get the Humane Society involved, since they actually have the authority, according to Ohio Law, to investigate and actually make arrests if need be. We need a lawyer to initiate a suit, and that must be done by the person who has been to McKay's, seen the conditions, and can testify to them. Pictures and video may also be key, and if in fact the Ohio ASPCA or Humane Society has authority to investigate, as the law suggests, then more evidence can be obtained. You can continue to do your best to save one ferret at a time, or you can try to get a lawyer and hit McKay where he'll feel it... in his wallet. Each count of animal cruelty, if convicted, would cost him up to $750. As far as I can see, there's no other way to make extensive changes to his operation in the near future, or, preferrably, to get it shut down. Jeff [Posted in FML 5534]