To CA residents: Got this from the CA senate bill subscription service. Lots of very interesting information about the Pros and Cons of the CA bill (SB55) and ownership of ferrets in general. ------------------------- BILL ANALYSIS SENATE NATURAL RESOURCES AND WILDLIFEBILL NO.: SB 55 Senator Tom Hayden, Chair AUTHOR: Kopp VERSION: (Original): 12/22/94 (Amended): 3/2/95 FISCAL: no URGENCY: no CONSULTANT: Darryl Young HEARING DATE: 4/25/95 SUBJECT: Fish and Game Commission: Legalization of Ferrets ISSUE: Should ferrets be reclassified from an exotic species to a domestic species. Should ownership of ferrets be decriminalized? SUMMARY: This bill would allow domestic ferrets to be imported and owned as, pets without a permit. All ferrets shall be vaccinated against rabies. Any ferret sold in a retail store shall be spayed or neutered. BACKGROUND & EXISTING LAW: Existing law prohibits importation and possession of ferrets. Ferrets are currently classified by Fish and Game Commission regulations as a detrimental, exotic species because they are not normally domesticated in California and they pose a threat to native wildlife, agriculture, or to public health and safety. Female ferrets have been illegal in California since 1932. Neutered male ferrets were legal until 1987 when the Fish and Game Commission adopted regulations prohibiting their importation and possession. There are currently 50 persons who possess approximately 150 animals legally. PROPOSED LAW: This bill would designate ferrets as domestic animals and allow their importation and possession as pets under the following conditions: a) Owners can document that the ferret has been vaccinated for rabies. b) All ferrets over the age of six months shall be spayed or neutered, unless the owner of the ferret holds a breederos license issued by the USDA. c) Any ferret that is sold or offered for sale in a retail store shall be spayed or neutered before sale. This bill would remove any authority the Department or the Commission may currently have over the possession of ferrets. COMMENTS: 1) Ferrets were developed from the European polecat. European ferrets resemble weasels, but are larger and stockier. Ferrets, along with the wolverine, weasel, marten, and mink, are members of the family Musteliadae and subfamily Mustelinae. They measure 17 to 22 inches in length and typically weigh between 2 and 6 pounds. Most ferrets are albino or "sable" colored with a blackish mask, limbs, and tail. The European ferret should not be confused with the similar but biologically distinct American black-footed ferret, an endangered species of the Great Plains. 2) European ferrets were first imported into the United States about 1875 to kill rats. Feral populations developed, and the animals became a serious threat to poultry producers. Control measures became necessary, including passage of anti-ferret regulations. Female ferrets have been illegal in California since 1932. Neutered male ferrets were legal until 1987 when the Fish and Game Commission adopted regulations prohibiting their importation and possession. 3) Ferrets are legal in 47 states, with California, Hawaii, Michigan and Massachusetts banning the animals. Last year similar legislation was defeated in the Massachusetts legislature. 4) The sponsors believe that the legalization of domesticated ferret as companion animals is years overdue. 5) Proponents state that the ferret has been a domestic pet for over 3,500 years and does not exist in the wild. Additionally, proponents assert that due to the length of their domesticity, the ferret cannot survive in the wild and is totally dependent on humans for food and shelter. 6) Proponents suggest that the few documented cases of ferrets biting, humans are as a result of parental or caretaker inattention and neglect. They site that in comparison, dogs inflict approximately 950 serious injuries on humans per million dogs annually, while ferrets are responsible for about three serious injuries on humans per million animals. 7) Proponents state that the risk of contracting rabies is not a reason to ban ferrets because a rabies vaccine was approved by the USDA in 1990. 8) Proponents believe that they have a constitutional right to own ferrets as part of their right to own private property. 9) The Department of Health Services believes that this measure could result in serious illness or injury to California citizens, especially to infants. 10) The Department of Fish and Game alleges that ferrets could lead to feral populations, thereby creating a predation problem on native wildlife. 11) Humane Groups assert that this measure will result in new expenditures for local animal control agencies and humane societies which are not staffed, equipped or funded adequately to open their doors and services to ferrets. 12) The bill requires owners of fertile ferrets to hold a obreederos license issued by the United States Department of Agricultureo. However the USDA does not issue obreederos licenseso. The USDA does issue Class A and Class B dealer licenses. Class A dealers breed ferrets for wholesale (sale to individuals who resell the ferrets). Class B dealers can both breed ferrets and act as brokers. Individuals who breed and then sell less than $500 worth of ferrets are exempt from licensure. The committee may wish to consider amendments to list which class or classes of licensure to require as well as how to deal with breeders that are exempt from federal dealer licensure. SUPPORT: California Domestic Ferret Association Ferrets Anonymous Pet Industry Joint Advisory Counsel Robert Holzapfel, Glenn County District Attorney Carleyos Pet Center Joyos Pet Market Reptiles Ro Us Top Rock Development Corporation California Veterinary Medical Association Pacific Beach Veterinary Clinic Rancho Bernardo Golf Club Wilshire Veterinary Hospital OPPOSED: California Department of Fish and Game California Department of Health Services Humane Society of the United States California Federation for Animal Legislation The Fund for Animals Sierra Club California Farm Bureau Contra Costa Humane Society Wildlife Fawn Rescue [Posted in FML issue 1198]