Our Representative to the NH House got this today. While MI is going all out to kill an innocent children's pet, some states are showing their appreciation for the ferret as a pet and working animal. FERRET APPRECIATION DAY JUNE 12, 1997 WHEREAS: Mustela furo, commonly known as the ferret, is truly a domesticated animal with a long and colorful history of faithful service as a working animal, and a pet; and WHEREAS: Ferrets are the third most popular companion animal in New Hampshire after unrestricted ownership of ferrets was granted in December 1992; and WHEREAS: On June 12, 1995, New Hampshire was the first in the nation to grant a statewide quarantine period for properly vaccinated ferrets; and WHEREAS: Ferret owners across the United States regard New Hampshire as a leader for the ethical treatment of ferrets; and WHEREAS: As a result of the New Hampshire law granting quarantine to properly vaccinated ferrets, we now celebrate an annual Ferret Awareness Day in Merrimack, NH where ferret owners from all over may bring their pets without fear of confiscation; and WHEREAS: These freedoms are accompanied by the responsibility to care properly for ferrets, which includes procuring vaccinations in accordance with health requirements; training these animals to behave within the context of domestic life; and fighting abuse, neglect, and abandonment of these animals; and WHEREAS: Ferrets have earned and won a place in the hearts and minds of the citizens of New Hampshire by bringing them unlimited joy and happiness; NOW, THEREFORE, I, JEANNE SHAHEEN, Governor of the State of New Hampshire, do hereby proclaim June 12, 1997 to be FERRET APPRECIATION DAY and urge all the citizens of the state to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance. <Original signed by Jeanne Shaheen, Governor of New Hampshire> [Posted in FML issue 1962]