I figured with the new CA Legalization Bill almost beginning, it was time to inform the public what our policies are during all this..... CDFA MISSION STATEMENT JUNE 20, 1994-The California Domestic Ferret Association's (CDFA) primary goal is to prevent the unnecessary and inhumane killing or abuse of the domestic ferret (mustela putorius furo) by anyone, including the State of California. To that end, CDFA has obtained a 'clearing house' permit from the Department of Fish & Game to transport confiscated or stray ferrets safely out of state. CDFA is also organizing a four state rescue program for domestic ferrets seized at the sixteen Department of Agriculture inspection stations. In addition, due to the institutional abuse of this pet in California, the impediments to proper veterinary care, and lack of information about the ferret's general needs-resulting in both intentional and unintentional harm-CDFA is fully committed to overturning Fish & Game's ban on the domestic ferret. No edict by a state agency can determine which domestic pet best suits a family's home. This is borne out by the public's widespread disregard for this questionable ban as evidenced by the hundreds of thousands of domestic ferrets currently in this state. This animal deserves the same legal status and protection that all other domestic pets share. CDFA neither condones nor supports any behavior or conduct which may undermine these goals. Only approved CDFA members or persons designated by CDFA may receive pet ferrets for transport out of state. Under no circumstances will any threat to our clearing house permit be tolerated. CDFA unequivocally condemns any abusive behavior, name-calling, personal attacks, or harassment of any member of the California State Legislature, or anyone opposed to the legalization of the domestic ferret. Evidence that domestic animals fall outside the jurisdiction of Fish & Game, as well as the overwhelmingly positive information on the domestic pet ferret, must be our only tools of persuasion. Anyone not complying with the terms of the CDFA permit, or behaving in a rude or aggressive manner toward anyone on the issue of legalization of these animals does not speak for or represent CDFA, its members, or its philosophy. CDFA believes in an enlightened democratic process based on the open exchange of opposing points of view. CDFA therefore wholly and without reservation condemns any interference with this process by anyone incapable of adhering to these principles. Bill Phillips Executive Director Jeanne Carley Assistant Director Hildy Langewis Membership Director Kevin Quosig Public Relations Director Feel free to reproduce this text IN ITS ENTIRETY--DO NOT EDIT. For CDFA membership information, call (510) 886-4210. [Posted in FML issue 1077]