Although I have yet to see the transcript of the CBS segment--and I hope someone will post the text thereof, so we can all see it--there seems to be an impression that Rachel Lamb said something specific about working to get ferrets delegalized in all the states. If she did, it may be that a wedge can be driven between her and other high muckey-mucks in the HSUS. She is by far the most outspoken enemy of ferrets in the organization hierarchy. Anyway, the reason it seems to me a wedge may be possible is that Lamb's remarks, from what I have heard, seem to go way beyond what to the best of my knowledge is the latest official formulation of HSUS policy on ferrets, dated October 1992. In a nutshell, the operative language was "...Due to past incidences of ferrets severely or even fatally biting children, The HSUS recommends that children, particularly infants, never be left unsupervised with a ferret...Ferrets may not be the best companion animal for many people. Their nocturnal habits, curiosity, and high activity level make ferrets often difficult to contain and control. Keeping ferrets in a humane environment is a challenge, because they should not be confined to a cage all the time, yet need close supervision when allowed out of their enclosures... In short, The HSUS does not believe that ferrets are suitable pets for most people. That is not to say that a ferret cannot be kept humanely as a companion animal, but it takes a special individual to adequately meet a ferret's special needs and provide humane care." This is not pointed out to excuse HSUS-- far from it. It seems to me Lamb is way out of line even for the HSUS's own policy, and hence that it could be reasonably urged on Paul Irwin, the president of HSUS, that he: 1) apologize to ferret owners for Lamb's remark; 2) direct her not to associate the HSUS with her personal views 3) and send a formal letter to CBS News dissociating the HSUS from her statement of views. Following is the text of the October 1992 communique from HSUS on the subject. Begin text: October, 1992 The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is the largest animal-protection organization in the country, representing over 1.6 million constituents. The HSUS recognizes that domestic ferrets have become increasingly popular as pets in recent years. Rabies In 1990, the United States Department of Agriculture licensed a rabies vaccine for domestic ferrets. However, because the incubation period for rabies in domestic ferrets is still unknown, public health officials recommend that any ferret who bites should be euthanized and analyzed for rabies. Biting Due to past incidences of ferrets severely or even fatally biting children, The HSUS recommends that children, particularly infants, never be left unsupervised with a ferret. Behavior Ferrets may not be the best companion animal for many people. Their nocturnal habits, curiosity, and high activity level make ferrets often difficult to contain and control. Keeping ferrets in a humane environment is a challenge, because they should not be confined to a cage all the time, yet need close supervision when allowed out of their enclosures. Sheltering Animal shelters that receive ferrets should develop their own individual policies on whether to place ferrets for adoption. This determination may depend on a variety of factors, including local ordinances that may restrict ferret ownership, and the cooperation of knowledgeable ferret owners to assist with proper placement. Sterilization It is imperative that all pet ferrets are spayed and neutered. Not only does sterilization diminish the offensive odor intact ferrets produce, but it also improves temperament and guarantees that ferret overpopulation does not become a problem, as it has with cats and dogs. Summary In short, The HSUS does not believe that ferrets are suitable pets for most people. That is not to say that a ferret cannot be kept humanely as a companion animal, but it takes a special individual to adequately meet a ferret's special needs and provide humane care. The Humane Society of the United States 2100 L Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20037 (202) 452-1100 Fax (202) 778-6132 End text. BTW, does anyone know whether HSUS has a Web page, or other cyberlocation that could be bombarded? 2nd BTW--since we are trying to keep the HSUS's valuable support on the BFF issue intact, it seems to me that for now at least it would be better not to *publicly* attack the HSUS--at least until we see whether Irwin backs what Lamb said--or at the least to include in any public or private correspondence with them some appreciative mention of their forthright stand on the BFF release. Howard Davis Humane Affairs Coordinator League of Independent Ferret Enthusiasts (L.I.F.E.) [Posted in FML issue 1214]