Thanks for posting the news on the ferret bill hearing, Dick Bossart! Please let us know if it is confirmed - I for one will make it a certain point to be there (even though it will mean taking half a day off of work!). Although I can not testify as a vet or a ferret specialist, I am a degreed and practicing zoologist, so I might have a little credibility with the folks. To other MA ferret folks (aka Ferret Local 123??) - the hearing would make a great place to meet each other and get to know each other a little better. How about it? If anyone has good data on per capita bite rates for ferrets vs dogs and cats, and data on rabies presence (which could be a major thing with the racoon scare on), please e-mail them to me at your earliest convenience so I can have them for the hearing. And, finally a plea - to all in the area (including reps of ferret groups in other states who can speak knowledgably) - PLEASE come and testify. Don't let others do it for you. As Dick said, its really simple - any state rep doesn't really care one way or the other about ferrets. If they think there are people out there that do, and want them legalized, and we show them that is not a problem, we will get it. Otherwise this will just pass by the wayside once again, and we will be left having to post anonymously and meet secretly. Best - Mason, Slinky, and Leila ("Maybe my claws will work to puncture his tires on Tuesday. The nerve - legalizing them! Next they'll outlaw catnip.") [Posted in FML issue 1136]