My deepest sympathy go to Rocky's owner. My God just what is the State of California playing at!!!! Are all the administrators of the State completely barking mad - they are crazier than rabid animals. Ferrets have been domesticated for thousands of years. Ferrets were probably introduced into Virginia in 1607 when we first colonised it and probably The Pilgrim Fathers took some with them. My sympathy goes to anyone who has to live in a State that is Governed by such narrow minded, blind bigots. This Pete Wilson guy - I take it has to be voted into office, I trust that he will be voted out at the next polling day. IMO the main dangers in California are Pete Wilson and the F&G, don't they realise that the rest of the world (except Queensland) is laughing at them. They have proved to us that they haven't got a single brain cell to share between 'em! I would rather tackle a ferret than a large dog, a ferret could just bit and hang on but it won't maul me or kill me! The President of the N.F.W.S. has just sent me an article that he written for our next Newsletter on the topic of ferrets in America. He writes about the Massachusetts Colonial Navy which was raised in December 1775. Part of its official proclamation states:- "This animal is one of man's best friends and is totally fearless. They were in great demand aboard ships of The Colonial Navy, and fortunate indeed were the crews who had a ferret for a mascot and friend." He also mentions California - however, we are going to have to watch our Labour Government in UK they are hostile to the countryside and country pursuits and it could bode an ill-wind for ferreting and the ferret. Sheila [log in to unmask] Bolton Ferret Welfare National Ferret Welfare Society Newsletter Editor http://www.btinternet.com/~sheila/ferrets.htm (Last Update 4 Jan 1998) [Posted in FML issue 2182]