Okay, I have news for ALL Northland (New Zealand) ferret owners. Contrary to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, and the Department of Conservations' knowledge, ferrets are ILLEGAL in Northland. Apparently you can apply for a waiver in order to keep your ferret, but I personally refuse to do so. Knowing that only one or two people (thank heavens) know of this law up here gives Northlanders some leeway, but you should still take precautions. Because ferrets are considered a PEST in New Zealand, there will not be any pleasant 'shipping' of ferrets to a new home/location. I have walked my babies through town with no incident, but I would advise extreme caution if you choose to do so. From now on - no more multiple ferret walks for my guys. One ferret can be hidden from prying Council members, a small business creating havoc cannot. The Council believes (contrary to my report from the Department of Conservation some four months ago) that the ferrets are increasing steadily in numbers in this area - directly proportionate (apparently) to the steady decrease in kiwi numbers. Personal opinion, they wouldn't know a ferret from a stoat, and need their heads examined, but personal opinion counts for SQUAT when they have your animals. My ferrets are now criminals ;o) and I'm looking at shooting through from this area ASAP after returning from the States. For all those others in New Zealand - I'd advise some judicious questions to your regional council. Apparently the Waikato region, south of Auckland, is also a FFZ. Anyway, I'm off to clean up after my little criminals now and take more photos for their little kit photo album <g> Sam Ferrets are my life - Ferrets are for me They get me into strife - They make me feel so free!! (Ah, probably because they steal everything!) Email the criminals and I at [log in to unmask] and hope I get it... Before they do! [Posted in FML issue 2249]