Good Morning All, It was certainly good news learning that AFA will involve themselves in the cruelty case at the Triple F Farm and the ferrets in their company. Since the number of ferrets at issue is in the thousands (6,000), it is my belief that it is better strategy that a credible expert witness-type of organization such as AFA (American Ferret Association) be involved rather than hundreds or thousands of concerned ferret owners and shelters. And since the multitude of ferrets at issue realistically prevents a "rescue" and rehoming into the ferret community either through private homes or rescues/shelters, we need to ensure that the kids at this place be cared for properly and ensure that they stay in compliance -- and then some. There simply is not enough resources, money, and homes to have them all removed from Triple F. Maybe the ill and elderly ferrets.... However, that does not preclude the ferret community, lead by a legal action by the AFA, to ensure that an entity other than PETA which would not necessarily have the ferrets' best interest at heart. Their agenda is not ours. As a credible, well-established, ferret-based expert witness, AFA could represent those ferrets by: 1. That present and/or potential charges leveled at Triple F be properly handled and prosecuted; 2. That if found guilty of compliance or violation of statutes and/or regs that Triple F be ordered to "clean up their act", bring the company, and treatment of the ferrets into compliance; 3. That an entity, like AFA, be appointed to enforce said order either by inspections by AFA or ensure that the court ordered inspector DO the inspections and demand compliance and AFA make certain that the inspections are done properly; 4. That an entity, like AFA, be a court ordered guardian ad litem, to continue to monitor compliance by Triple F and verify that the ferrets at the Triple F be humanely treated and maintained apart from the inspector if not AFA; and 5. Have some sort of "legal communication" between Triple F and an entity, like AFA, to offer expert advice and "assistance" when needed. The purpose of all of this is to have ONE LOUD voice for the ferrets and with AFA being a recognized ferret-expert organization and non-profit entity, it allows the ferret community as a whole to support this effort in unison without any confusion from many voices. AFA has credibility and this would go a long way with the court, I believe. And, and with AFA having a public relations division and spokesperson, one voice could speak for all of the ferret community as a whole and the information going out to the media and others would be clear and concise. And, AFA is going to need support - if you are not a member, join! And, we should support their efforts 100% by donations as well. This is a time consuming effort and will require some dollars to pursue. What do you think!?! Respectfully submitted, Maren Qualls Raisins From Heaven Hernando, MS (still without weekend internet.....) [Posted in FML 7179]