I looked into the Washington County, MD ferret situation a little more. I was told the following: First, the ASPCA was holding the ferret until the end of the "trial" and then turned it over to the appropriate authorities. Second, Dr. Neil is not necessarily [nor expected to be] the person who put the small ferret "under". AND, the person I spoke with had no knowledge of a "large bore needle" being used to inject the barbituate "directly into the heart". I think it would be nice if someone called Dr. Neil's office and simpy ask the name of the veterinarian who carried out the injection and then diplomaticly request the vet share how he/she carried out the procedure. Whoever takes this time and (please) posts this info to the FML could then be referenced as a source of the "facts" before anyone starts blasting the Governor, the Health Dept., etc. If someone forwards Dr. Neil's phone number to me, I'll be gald to try and get this data!!! Alan Braunstein [log in to unmask] (410) 792-6000 x3981 (301) 953-6000 x3981 [Posted in FML issue 1095]