> >>This has happened recently in the US, with a rash of laws against
> >>posession
> >>of domesticated ferrets,
> >
> >You're making this up, right :-)


FWIW and in case nobody knew, Ferrets and other muselids are very very very
efficient at killing bird life and a range of ground dwelling animals.
In my country they play utter havoc with a range of rare and endangered
native animals. Their domestic use is becoming increasingly controlled here.
A ferret in a cage poses no threat at all, but the history of accidental or
careless or even purposeful releases is not encouraging. In a relatively
recent instance and "stranger than fiction" a lady came ashore from a yacht
to an Island bird wild bird sanctuary (Little Barrier Island) where public
access of any sort is forbidden and was walking two Ferrets on leashes. They
have previously spent very significant money and vast labour clearing this
island of rats and similar to protect the endangered birds which they bring
here to breed. It's hard to imagine anyone having leashed ferrets in a yacht
but ...

In New Zealand at least it more or less becomes a choice as to which class
of animal you want to see in the wild. If you prefer Ferret/Stoat/Weasel
over native wild life that's fine - the muselids will sort that out for you
without further assistance. If you prefer the natives you need to be
pro-active on their behalf.

If Arnie-land lacks small valuable wild animals and the wild bird life is
unimportant to you, then easing of restrictions on Ferrets and their ilk may
be a good idea. Otherwise ...



                Russell McMahon

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