I just got off the phone with Rita McDowell. The way her and Mike's civil rights have been violated is frankly unbelievable. I must shamefully admit that when I first heard of their case I didn't plan to contribute either monetarily or even with the moral support of a phone call or letter. Kansas seemed so remote to me up here in Canada; I thought I'd let other people help them out. Besides, they had been so obviously wronged, I thought things would *have* to be straightened out. So I casually sat back and waited to hear that things had turned out all right for them. Well far from turning out all right, things have continued to worsen. You all read in issue 721 that Mike has been fired from his job on the basis of being unreliable, dishonest, and uncooperative, despite his not having been shown to be guilty of *anything* regarding the case. Now Rita has received a bill for $1500 to cover the "victim's" medical treatments, which she must pay by March 6th or face possible imprisonment. And their legal bills to date total over $10,000, despite the fact that their lawyer has been somewhat less than helpful all along (he ignored the McDowell's protests during the trial that certain witnesses for the prosecution were telling outright lies, and that they could prove they were lies, and has advised them that they have no legal recourse against local newspapers printing blatant falsehoods regarding the affair, and that they themselves would be subject to slander if they try to get the truth published). Another obstacle they face is the media. It seems all of the local papers have printed and reprinted this story, all with the angle of some fanatical ferret owners protecting their 'vicious, wild animal' from rightful seizure by the authorities. No one has published the McDowell's side. Something must be done. A precedent needs to be set here to protect the rights of ferrets and their owners against such injustice. In fact, even disregarding the ferret issue entirely, this blatant violation of civil rights should not be tolerated. I would like to urge everyone out there to give your support to the McDowells. Sure, money's tight for many of us right now, but if we all give a little, together we can make a *big* difference. I personally just bought a new house, and take possession March 1st. With all the legal fees and Land Titles fees and etc, not to mention the cost of buying appliances for my new home, money's kind of tight for me too. Nevertheless, I'll be sending the McDowells a contribution of $100. In addition, I plan to continue to contribute a little on a monthly basis until this is all worked out. This may seem difficult, but how can I worry about my nice new house when the McDowells are losing theirs? Besides, when I ask myself if I'd spend $100 to protect *my* ferrets' rights, the answer is unequivocally yes! I'm sure most of us can spare a little. For instance, if you plan to catch a movie or eat out some night, skip it that one night and send that money to the McDowells. Once again, their address and phone number is: Mike & Rita McDowell Box 432 Onaga, Kansas 66521 913-889-7180 A note to Canadian contributors: if possible, rather than a personal cheque it might be better if you could send a money order, in US funds. When the McDowells tried to cash a cheque for $30 Canadian, the bank gave them seven dollars! At the current exchange rate $30 Canadian should be worth about $23 American. It seems like every way they turn Rita and Mike get the shaft! I know that not everyone can afford to contribute money. If you just can't spare the cash, then send the McDowells a supportive letter. Rita said I was the first person to call in a couple of weeks. They are both feeling very discouraged, and need our support. As Debra said in issue 721, surely everyone can afford the price of a stamp and letter. In addition, post to the various media at your disposal to let as many people as possible know what's happening, and that the situation has worsened rather than been resolved. Also, if you live in Kansas, contact the local papers and ask them how they can print the lies they've been printing. Demand that they publish the truth rather than sensationalist garbage designed to sell papers. I don't know much about the legal or political systems in the States (or Canada for that matter :), but there must also be people in government to whom we can voice our concerns (the State Department perhaps?). The McDowells are good, ferret-loving folks who've been treated in an unconscionable manner by a corrupt system for God only knows what reasons. They need our help. Please, let's give it to them. John, Buddy, and Cassidy [Posted in FML issue 0724]