🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <1993Sep5.040822.16102@leland.stanford.edu>,
James Grove <grapes@leland.Stanford.EDU> wrote:

>I live in the Midwest, and will be moving to California on a 
[deleted]
>book that FERRETS ARE ILLEGAL IN CALIFORNIA!!!

>I called the humane society and the Fish and Game Department 
>in the Bay Area, and the latter organization told me in no 
>uncertain terms that "Ferrets are not native to California 
>and eat birds and small animals," so they are not allowed.
>
>WHAT SHOULD I DO???  I REALLY WANT A FERRET!!!
>
1. Don't move to California and have all the ferrets  you want.
2. Move to California and help get ferrets legalized there. The
basis of the ban is unconstitutional, per attorney William Phillips,
President of the California Domestic Ferret Association.

>Are there people out there who know anything about this?  
>Specifically:
>
>	1.)  Is there any way to own a ferret legally in CA?

Sure, open a zoo and get a permit. Or join a medical research
organization that has a permit.

>
>	2.)  Are they likely to become legal soon?

There is a lawsuit making its way through the system that would legalize
ferrets in CA. Contact the CDFA at 707-431-2277; P.O. Box 1868,
Healdsburg, CA 95448. Volunteer or send them money!

>
>	3.)  Are there people out there who own ferrets 
>	illegally?  Do they have any advice for me?

The CDFA has estimated over 500,000 "underground" ferrets in CA. We
will probably never know the true number due to the legality issue.
Advice: check with the CDFA. Don't bring a ferret to CA now unless you
can deal with losing it to Fish and Game.

>
>	4.)  What problems might I have if I bring a ferret in?

Seizure of the ferrret. Fines. Have a good lawyer on tap.

>
>	5.)  Could I find a veterinarian who would take care of 
>	my pet ferret without turning him in to the Ferret-
>	Terminators?

They are not supposed to. The AVMA probably won't sanction them for
trying to protect a ferret found by authorities in the clinic. You may
be able to find a "cool" vet by networking in the neighborhood you move
to but there is risk.

>
>I Promise I am not trying to uncover any illegal ferret 
>owners or anything.  I just really want to get one of these 
>animals for a pet--I've never found anything else quite like 
>them.

You might be interested in my 45 minute video, LIVING WITH FERRETS.
E-mail for pricing [chipg@access.digex.net; CIS 76376,3147; BBS 301-
424-2383; alt ip: chipg@inet.com].

>
>Please send all responses to:
>
>	grapes@leland.stanford.edu
>
[deleted]
>
>And for all the thought police out there: Although I discuss 
>illegal activities, I have no intention of undertaking any.  
>So don't come knocking down my door!
>

Typically they don't have the budget for sweeps through the dorms.
Good luck ...


<Chip Gallo, producer, LIVING WITH FERRETS video
<Founder, Montgomery Ferret Club
<Founder, FERRET EXPO championship ferret show
<Founder, FERRET EXPO WEST show, Reno, NV
-- 
<Chip Gallo * Action Comm Research * Rockville, MD USA  >
<chipg@access.digex.com * CIS: 76376,3147 * Ferret Owner>
<OS/2 2.1 User * Laser Disc Potato * LAN Man * NetAware >