Dear Fellow FMLer's, Over the past several weeks there has been much talk on the many issues of MF practices. In fact it is the longest run I have ever seen concerning Marshall practices. While some feel the need to either vilify or deify Marshall, the real goal should be to rectify. Therefore, the following proposals are being considered to be formally presented to Marshall at the proper time: THE MARSHALL CAMPAIGN GOALS 1) MF should create a fund to further medical studies regarding genetic risks of closed colony breeders and ascertain if early fixing, shipping, etc. have a negative impact on ferret health. Until this is ascertained, all ferrets should be withheld from shipping until at least 12 weeks of age according to prevailing veterinary and responsible breeder advise. Besides the issue of early fixing vs health, the animal's health would be likely to improve if allowed to wean later and perhaps be supplemented by WET food until shipped at 12 weeks. 2) Get the true numbers of exterminated breeder ferrets and reduce this number markedly by various methods, including longer service, shelter adoptions, and perhaps a reduced production at higher resale to keep profits same or better. 3) Marshall to create a fund for approved shelters for the housing and handling of their excess breeders AND wayward ferrets. 4) Marshall to improve ferret documentation and enforce practices that will help insure their proper distribution. (geez, if I see one more ferret in a tank with cedar chips!.......) 5) Marshall to develop either a more viable tattoo marking, and to register this marking as a protected trademark, and follow reasonable actions to protect this trademark, and/or microchip utilization with proper care. 6) Marshall to permit inspections by an agreed upon veterinarian and ferret specialist 3X a year and that these reports will be public domain. Costs borne by MF and participating shelters. Now, here on the FML, these issues have been discussed ad infinitum. Personally, although some may disagree, I feel any further side debates just sidetrack these main issues. In general, from what I have heard, these remedies do not appear too difficult for any responsible company to implement and these remedies do not appear too extreme. Though some feel these do not go far enough, these remidies will markedly improve conditions for many. We need to keep in mind that Marshall is entitled to a reasonable profit and should be allowed to conduct a successful business within ethical standards. The goal of this campaign is to improve conditions for all, including Marshall, their employees, their customers, shelters, and last and most importantly, the ferrets. The ferrets that are sold AND the ferrets that are bred. Even the veterinary community and the public at large will enjoy a happier and healthier ferret. We can all work together to help Marshall become a profitable and model breeder, which I would imagine is their goal. So please read these carefully. If you have any further constructive ideas and/or advice on filling in the details PLEASE feel free to E-MAIL me directly. Very shortly, I will post the actual campaign strategy on the FML. Some individuals and their internet addresses may be posted at this time. A dedicated web page is scheduled to be unveiled soon(we hope)as reasonable security can be established. You may contact any of these individuals or yours truly directly after the campaign is posted if you feel you can offer some time and energy. The campaign was developed to minimize the time and energy required for a successful achievement. There will be NO fundraising or dues associated with this campaign. This campaign will cover the continental United States. This campaign will only require participants a little time, a little effort, and a lot of heart. While I cannot guarantee absolute privacy because of the inherent nature of the internet, all reasonable actions will be practiced consistently to the best of our abilities. This campaign will not align itself with ANY formal organization or club. If you are a member or members of a particular organization you are very welcome to get involved, but as an individual, not as a representive. This is an apolitical, non-partisan campaign. Finally please understand that this is NOT a campaign AGAINST Marshall or its retailers, but for them. We really need to all work together in good faith towards the goals of better ferret welfare and breeder/farm practices. This campaign is all about honey, but offered from a very strong jar. While you may not agree with every issue, I urge you that even if there is only one you believe in, then help us to achieve it. This is not about "group think", this is about group effort. best wishes, FOR KODO AND ALL THE FERRETS WITH NO NAMES alphachi PS Addendum to a recent post by yours truly: I mistakenly referred to Pete Reid as Paul. This error was wholly unintentional and I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. [Posted in FML issue 2009]