Dear Millie You are so right - it is the consumer who creates the demand for ferrets. But pet stores make them so readily available and relatively inexpensive that it's too easy to purchase one. And I agree with your point that backyard breeders would capitalize on an opportunity, to the detriment of ferrets. But asking Petco to stem the tide is a start. It will relieve a lot of the burden on shelters. And we do need to educate the public about ferret husbandry. A concerted effort on both fronts will make a huge impact on our ferrets lives. I believe there are enough ferret afficionados now to make a difference. We've got to try. Lorraine [Posted in FML 7991]