The preliminary studies on the environmental impacts of legalized ferrets is apparently going so well that the head of our brain team has asked about taking the research to Governor Schwarzenegger and the Fish and Game Commission before filing the Environmental Impact Report.

Previous studies were done with an obvious slant.  Bill Phillips of the California Domestic Ferret Association (CDFA) did a magnificent study (at least if you were a ferret owner) back in the 1980’s showing no environmental impact from ferrets.

The California Depart of Health Services did a report in 1985 (Pet European Ferrets : A Hazard to Public Health, Small Livestock and Wildlife) where ferrets were cited as “shredding tissue, sucking blood” of human infants. That report was distributed to other states and even Brazil in an attempt to spread California’s ferret ban.  Utah briefly put restrictions on ferret ownership but lifted those restrictions when they read the DHS Survey, labeling the report “scientifically unsound.”

Ron Jurek with the Department of Fish and Game did a study “1996-97 NATIONWIDE FERRET SURVEY OF STATE WILDLIFE AGENCIES.”  Though Ron Jurek is anti-ferret legalization, his survey reported no state concerned about feral ferrets or any negative impact from ferrets. It was buried after completion, but someone discovered it.

“Madam X” , the head of our brain team as I will call her – believes the facts may speak for themselves and that Governor Schwarzenegger can be persuaded by the facts.

I, on the other hand believe special interests (most notably agriculture) plays too important a role in this situation.  DFG has a history of not being persuaded by facts.  They aren’t going to reconsider the issue without a full blown EIR.

Those of you who have been reading CLIFFNotes know I’ve been wrong before.  The most we have to lose is a little time.  So I am going along.

Madame X also suggested we branch out from just this study.  “Find allies” she tells us.
The California Veterinarian Medical Association (CVMA) disengaged from legalization efforts after they won the right to legally treat ferrets.  Are there any vets reading this who would be willing to approach the CVMA to bring ferret legalization back to their agenda?

I’ve dealt with Humane Society officials in California.  They are nice, sympathetic, but won’t get involved.  Is there anyone reading this with contacts inside the HSUS?

Madame X also mentioned those organizations who hold educational permits for ferrets such as the San Diego Zoo and Knott’s Berry Farm.  Has anyone seen their presentation on ferrets?  My understanding is that in order to obtain the permit they must spew DFG propaganda that ferrets breed prolifically in the wild and kill for fun. Perhaps we could video record those comments?!

 

Current events in ferret legalization are dramatic shift from previous efforts.  I’m glad to see everyone on board:

 

“Additionally, I wonder if we've gone about this all wrong for the past 15 years.  I wish we had recognized the value of scientific work instead of criticizing DFG and the state of California. “ (from last week's CLIFFNotes) I couldn't agree more.  Kookiness and hysteria do not win the case.  And none of those guys in Sacramento care that we think these are the cutest mammals on the planet. Facts, data and political clout are what's needed.  We need direct dis-proof of what the opposition thinks, believes and fears.  We even need to know, man by man, who they are and what their political bases are  Act like a ferret...dig it all out.. Elizshort

I am getting a few questions from people who think it means ferrets will be legal soon.  I don’t think that is the case.  But they should be legal before I reach the nursing home. Memberships and subscriptions are coming in at a slightly increased rate.  Thank you everyone for getting involved, we need to increase the momentum and keep it going!

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I was deeply saddened to read of the passing of long time member Cyd Burns.

 

I received a note from her mother, Linda Doty from Wisconsin with a check.

 

The note said;

 

"My daughter recently passed away.  She dearly loved her ferrets.  I have enclosed a check fo the money she received from cards.  I know thats what she would have wanted."

 

I know Cyd had medical problems but to hear of her passing was an unpleasant surprise. 

 

It is sad enough that our ferrets can't go outside and be the sociable animals they are.  Cyd never had the opportunity to take her ferrets out.  Bad law robbed her of that pleasure.  Time is short.

 

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Readers' Notes:

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Hi Pat...
 
I enjoyed the Chicago Tribune video...I guess a lot of good things are coming out of Chicago these days.
 
Did you happen to see the CNN series Scorched Earth (Broken Government)...There is a very interesting and silly piece about the Federal Fish a Wildlife folk spending millions to breed black footed ferrets and release them in the wild while not ten feet away the National forest Service is poisoning prairie dogs to keep the ranchers who graze their cattle on government land happy...hooray for great minds that run our country!!!
 
Thanks for doing such a consistantly wonderful job...
Ruthann

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I just wanted to make sure the very generous donor hears from a Californian ferret lover: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU - a MILLION THANK YOUs!!!!!!!! :)
 Also, cranky Easter bunny ferret picture attached... (Note, this one should be easy to pick out - if not, third ferret from the top.

Heather J

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In the 15 years we've been doing this, working with Republicans and Democrats I've noticed two things.  Republicans will promise anything and then drop us the instant anyone with money opposes us.  Democrats don't want to work with us, but once they commit they are less likely to abandon us. We do better with those politicians who are considered extreme right or extreme left.  Middle of the road politicians usually are not bound by any sense of principles.

 

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