A few years ago we worked hard to convince the USDA to create ferret- specific regulations governing their transport and care. The inside word we have gotten is that the ferret industry is too small to warrant the creation of such rules.
However, they have created a generic proposal that will set an 8-week and weaned requirement for the transport of any warm-blooded animal.
The deadline for comment is JULY 8, 2008! WE MUST ACT NOW!!
Below is a brief description of the proposal and how to submit your comments. A sample letter is also attached. Feel free to use it, modify it or write your own.
The main point is that we agree that an 8-week minimum age for transport is beneficial to ferrets, both domestic and black-footed.
A PDF version of this document is available here.
The American Council for Ferret Health, Welfare and Policy, Washington, DC
DEADLINE FOR RESPONSE: July 8, 2008
An MS Word version of this sample letter is available here.
Sample letter:
Currently, many legislative challenges are facing ferrets and the ferret community nationwide. Many of these pending legislative actions have not only repercussions on the welfare of ferrets, but also their health.
Now, an action (see petition below) is being brought before the United States Department of Agriculture and the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service that would request a revision in the requirements for breeding farms already under USDA control. The proposed changes would not apply to small breeders who sell privately; rather they would apply only to breeders who breed ferrets for wholesale to the pet industry, their distributors, and the transport they use.
This action requests that the departments review the current protection provided for ferrets, and revise them to provide more breed specific needs. Currently, no ferret specific guidelines are available for the protection of the health and welfare of farmed ferrets - and several groups would like to see this matter addressed.
Within the next several months, proposed regulations will be available
for public review and commentary. At this time, however, it is critical
to convince the Department of Agriculture that ferrets need - and deserve -
breed
specific
protection equal to that of dogs and cats.
Attached is a copy of the petition submitted to the United States Department
of Agriculture recommending that these needs be addressed.
You can help!
Please contact:
Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman
1400 Independence Ave SW Room 312-E
Whitten Building
Washington, DC 20250
agsec@usda.gov
202-720-3631
Bobby Acord, Administrator of the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service
1400 Independence Ave SW Room 200-A
Whitten Building
Washington, DC 20250
Bobby.R.Acord@usda.gov
202-720-3668, Fax 202-720-3054
and
Your federal congressional delegation. Use the below websites if you are
unsure who to contact.
http://www.house.gov/writerep/
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
Let them know that the general public is concerned about the welfare of these popular animals, and for the health of ferrets across the United States, better regulations should be implemented - most specifically, breed specific regulations.
March 10, 2004
Submitted by:
International Ferret Congress
Sandra C. Kudrak, DVM, DABVP
Ferret Wise Rescue and Rehabilitation Shelter
West Central Ohio Ferret Shelter
Ferret Lovers Club of Texas
Maryland Ferret PAWS, Inc.
Support Our Shelters
Ferret Rescue of Maine
Western Maine Ferret Rescue
Submitted to:
Mr. Bobby Acord
Administrator of the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service
and
Ms. Ann M. Veneman
Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture
Dear Sir and Madam:
We are petitioning the United States Department of Agriculture regarding the lack of adequate protection for the domestic ferret (Mustela furo) under the current provisions of the Animal Welfare Act.
Currently, the domestic ferret is considered to be one of the most popular companion animals in the United States as well as around the world. Sadly, the protection afforded to it by the Animal Welfare Act does not take into account the specific biological, physiological, and social needs of this animal in a manner consistent with other household pets such as cats and dogs. Given practices such as early and forced weaning, ferret kits are being shipped too young, resulting in large numbers of animals becoming ill during or shortly after transport. Many more animals develop significant behavioral abnormalities (such as aggression not normally seen in ferrets) because their inherent needs are not being met during the weaning and transportation process. Additionally, ferret kits are arriving to pet stores malnourished and ill. Starvation, pneumonia, prolapsed rectums, and seizures are regularly documented.
These animals, because of behavior and health problems, are being relinquished in large numbers to shelters and private individuals willing to attempt to rehabilitate them. Unfortunately, many are unable to recover to a state which makes them adoptable, causing a huge burden on the shelters as well as the general public.
The lack of protection afforded to this animal is contrary to both the language and Congressional intent of the Animal Welfare Act.
We formally request that the rulemaking be instituted to provide for adequate regulations specifically addressing the unique needs of ferrets as has been done for other species. The above parties are available and willing to provide their experience and expertise to see that fair, legal, and adequate regulations be drafted.
We ask that the agency take immediate action to remedy these violations of the Animal Welfare Act.
This message may be freely distributed to other individuals, lists, newsletters, and websites as long as it appears in its entirety, including this notice, and without any changes to either the letter or the petition, both of which must appear together.
Note: This petition is primarily the work of Dr. Sandra Kudrak, DVM, DABVP. Her letter to the USDA about the petition is here.
See reponse from USDA. This form letter was sent to many who wrote the USDA.
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last updated 5/17/04
