Hi all! In regards to Catherine's query of "what is a shelter, and when is a shelter a broker?", I can only give MHO. I consider a shelter any organization or individual who will put the welfare of the animal first - whether it is the decision to euthanize, or not do surgery, or even purchase a ferret from an individual because they believe that it is in the animals' welfare to do so. I have only done this three times over the course of a couple years, and only when I believed (and I am a very cynical person) that if I did not purchase the animal, that they would either destroy the animal, or turn it loose. In these three occasions, I wrote them a check from my personal account and subsequently turned the animal into the rescue for adoption. I have convinced many others to turn the animals into us for nothing, often by substituting a receipt for the "value" of the animal. A broker to me, is someone who puts people who want ferrets in touch with those who have ferrets available for adoption. Webster's defines a shelter as" a refuge, haven; Something providing cover or protection". I think that this covers it pretty well, don't you? Maybe shelters can be too soft-hearted, but I think that that is not the worst thing in the world. Imagine how you would feel if the ferret that you refused to take was killed or abused? I wouldn't want the guilt! Most of my rescues are simply a matter of getting the phone call, "I don't want my ferret anymore, can you come and get it?" and doing just that. Most of the ferrets that I have taken in were not abused, just didnt have enough attention or the owners didnt realize what they were getting into. The abuse cases only focus my attention on why I am doing this. As far as the USDA is concerned, I can tell you that I did get an "official" copy of the report against Marshall Farms. I am very like you in that I prefer to get the info myself. I gained this copy through the Humane Society and the Freedom of Information Act. A very powerful piece of legislation, the FIA. You can request any non-classified reports filed by any government agency. I sent the Humane Society of Rochester a $10.00 donation, just to get it. I consider this money well spent! I prefer to believe what I hold in my hands in black n white about the unsanitary surgical conditions and broken rusty wires protruding into cages than the third- or fourth- hand reports that other USDA inspectors supposedly said about other inspectors. In regards to MF helping in the CA legislation effort, I am glad that they are helping, but then again, that is purely a business decision. Don't read any altruistic motives in this, just think about it: How many people live in CA that would LOVE to own a ferret legally? If they enter the market first, what an untapped market it would be! Its not that I am questioning their motives (which I am), I am just being realistic. They have the most to gain by making ferrets legal in CA (except all the people in CA who currently own ferrets illegally)! Well, thats more than I planned to say about MF, and I will not post again about it. This is, as always, my personal opinion. Lisa & the 18 amazing pooping machines [Posted in FML issue 1809]