As seldom as I get involved in these type discussions, I thought I'd offer my two cents on this thread. I have been involved with rescue and animal legislation for seventeen years in Texas, so I do have some qualitative experience in this matter. As I read your post to shelters, it became obvious that your questions were mostly rhetorical. You posed the question, then answered each one yourself. I will add this; just as with human adoptions, almost everyone wants a baby. The inherent problem with all babies is that everyone seems to want one; until the reality of the responsibility and commitment sets in. Every ferret (or other pet species) in a shelter or rescue was a baby when purchased. The majority of ferrets in our local (SAFE) rescue system have came from the people of the age group 15 to 30 years. The reasons for surrender of ferrets is almost identical to those for other pet species. If you inquire to human adoption agencies, child welfare agencies and police departments, you will find that this is the same age group that surrenders, abandons, abuses and/or kills their own children. Sadly, we live in a "throw away" society today. Instead of looking for who or whom to "blame", we need to look for solutions as how we can eliminate this current trend. Education as to the care required for each species, and the responsibility taken for that life is paramount. Neither children nor pets are "disposable". Each of us is responsible for the life that we bring into our own lives. You can legislate responsibility, you cannot legislate morality. In that light, each of us needs to work with local schools, camps, civic organizations and our local governments to educate them about "Responsible Pet Ownership". We do not have a "pet overpopulation problem", we have an "irresponsible people problem". Nuf said. Thanks, Dooks and Blessings, Rick White - SAFE Legislative Affairs Liaison Tel: (210) 661-9195 or (210) 661-0608 PO Box 190042 San Antonio, TX 78220-7000 "Stupid is as Stupid does." Quote from "Forrest Gump" [Posted in FML 5842]