From one Bob to another--hang in there pal. To the dozens of people sending mail to me about this--thanks. It's nice to see the latest news, and although I have been generally not responding to save bandwidth (and peoples time) I am reading and behind all actions 100%. Thanks to all for keeping me informed. To the FML. You are all wonderful people and many of you have gone out of your way to help in this matter. I discussed this today with a professor at the law school her on campus, and the response was that unless specific law is initiated to protect animals/ferrets, then the application of law is left to the discretion of the judge. The trouble is, judges turn to state emplotees for advice in these matters, which in this case is heavily biased against ferrets. The professor pointed out several things: 1) The citizenry has the power to initiate changes in law, removal of judges, and dismissal of public employees. Failure to utilize that power is "like spreading honey to get rid of cockroaches." He suggested the ferret clubs combine their political clout with other pet clubs and work together on the problem. 2) Lawsuits work, especially those for large sums of money. The professor suggests each and every animal control officer be named, starting from the top. Also, each town and county should be named. He stated most places cannot afford large legal fees, so generally will change policy rather than get socked for money. I was told this happened in St. Louis recently. When I asked how much is enought, the professor said "start at 5 million, then each time they hesitate, increase it." 3) If nothing is done, it WILL happen again and again. Winning encourages the bureaucrap; they see it as righteous approval of policy. 4) Go to a local law school and solicit free help. Many advanced students will do much of the work for free or very low pay. Some want experience to better help them in future employment. ASk them and you will recieve help. Go to the professors first, and they will know who to send. If you do it right, the professors might concider making it a class project. 5) NEVER EVER EVER allow anything to be done without the proper paperwork in the hands of the officer. Demand they bring the police, demand warrants, demand right of council, etc. As it was put to me, "intimidation is not the law. Force them through the hoops, and take advantage of their mistakes. Remember OJ." Last, this requires money. I have 17 ferrets, 4 teenagers, a cat and am still a graduate student. I pledge $20. I can afford it. I strongly encourage each member of the FML to show their support by donating a sum--whatever they can afford--to the task of saving ferret lives. This could ultimately be through making new law, or for forcing bureaucraps out of office. It just pays the lawyers. But now is the time to help! And for those that don't know, there are so many people involved in this, BIG, Dick Bossart, Margie, TLE to name a few (and I sincerely don't mean to miss anyone here) and have given up valuble work time and monetary resources in this matter. They would do it for me, for you, for anyone. And they are not doing for any reason other than to help a helpless ferret. Help them out by giving them the weaponry they need to fight this battle, bucks. I have an idea. Someone good at designing t-shirts? Put Kodo's picture (in jail) on the T-shirt and send one to everyone who sends in $20. All profits to the rabies defense fund. Jump in people!! BOb C and the Mad As Hell Missouri 17. [Posted in FML issue 1927]