>By never purchasing anything by Marshall Farms ... the ferrets are the ones >that are going to be hurt .... Not Marshall Farms. If we all decide we're >not going to buy Marshall Farm ferrets ... the only place left for all of >them to go is to the lab to be tested on. >Robin Robin, I understand your dilemma and concern for the kits, however, this practice only encourages an increased production as I am sure you can see the vicious cycle this sets up. Please keep in mind that Marshall exterminates(oh, I forgot, "retires") its Jills when they can no longer produce(this MF has never disputed), and with over 30-33,000 breeders(est), that's a whole lot of dead fuzzies each year, but hey, they're cheap and they reproduce when alive, so supply is not a problem. It's also much cheaper and easier to kill a ferret than find a home for one, especially in those numbers(Marshall does allow some labs to adopt some of these breeders--relatively few--with an agreement by these labs to use Marshall products). There have been retiree offers to shelters after much negotiating, but at over 60 bucks a piece, it gets prohibitive. >>From: Brandy Jean Ashmore <[log in to unmask]> >>Subject: Marshall Farm Ferrets >>http://www.acmeferret.com/infobank/marshall.htm, >>http://www.acmeferret.com/infobank/ferabuse.htm >In our opinion those articles have been discredited... Perfectly couched response. Who could argue this was *not* your opinion ;-). >>If this thread has the same life-cycle that most of these MF threads do it >>will go something like: 1.) lots of posts with strong emotions, some to >>little real information, alot heresay, and alot of rumors; 2.) people get >>offended by differing viewpoints; 3.) Flames; 4.) Bill closes the topic. >>And at the end of it all, nothing has changed. >Kimberly Burkard Kim speaks from experience, as so with many of us who have endured this debate and all its morays. However, I don't agree that it is entirely unproductive, albeit painful, if the numerous responses I have received in the past are any indication. But you're right, things move very slowly concerning Marshall, especially since many are torn because of the money they have dumped into the CA legalization efforts. They are wisely positioning themselves in the front of this concern(very good business strategy). >looked at the pages that were supposed to be so BAD about Marshall Farms.. >And its a bunch of Extremist Animal Rights BS..I never believe anything the >HSUS ever says since >Jazmyn Concolor Wow, HSUS is an extremist organization! I did not know this. I do know they don't condone pet mills, and certainly MF qualifies. HEADLINES: HSUS Walk For The Animals Leads To Rioting And Chaos!" Mayhem In Miami as HSUS supporters rape and pillage downtown community! Perhaps you are thinking of PETA... >Besides, from what I understand, the bloodlines raised for labs are >DIFFERENT then the pet bloodlines, which are raised for temperment...I've >heard the lab bred stock is somewhat more 'agressive'.. Another surprise, aggressive lab animals, hmmm, every tech's dream. I wonder if you've ever seen a Marshall ad for lab use. Many have. It promotes smaller and very docile subjects. >Not to mention that if Marshall quit breeding ferrets for labs, someone else >would breed them instead... Jazmyn, maybe you've missed the point. Marshall actively *promotes* the use of ferrets for lab experiments. They're not just supplying a niche', they're fostering one. >I'd love to even start a rescue for placing old breeders from ferret >breeders in new homes...An old folks home for ferrets? Hmmm.... A noble dream, however, you are going to need a *very* big home: an even bigger one if Marshall gets it's wish to populate CA. Jazmyn, I don't mean to pick on you. But you just happened to display some points that were not only accusational, but in grievous error. I certainly respect your opinion about your belief supporting ferret use in lab experiments, though I adamantly disagree. As I said before, I ain't gonna pi** upwind. best wishes, until next time, alphachi [Posted in FML issue 2223]