Transcript: Pat Wright Ferret Legalization February 1, 2009
PHBumble: On behalf of Jeff Barringer and all of us at Exotichobbyist.com, I'm very pleased to welcome Pat Wright to our Eleventh Annual Chat Week. PHBumble: Pat Wright is the founder of Ferrets Anonymous and LegalizeFerrets.org, organizations devoted to legalizing ferret ownership in California, one of only two states in the U.S. where the animals are not legal. PHBumble: They are currently working on an Environmental Impact Report to demonstrate that pet ferrets pose no larger threats to the environment. PHBumble: Pat is here to discuss the reasons CA feels that banning ferrets is ok and why it is actually not a sound decision! PHBumble: Ladies and Gentlemen, I present Pat Wright. Pat Wright: thank you, GA PHBumble: Pat, would you like to make an opening Statement? Pat Wright: Ferret legalization efforts in California have been going on for a long time. A ridiculous long time. I'm happy to answer any questions GA lisa_nr: Pat, can you please give us an update on the status of the EIR at this time? Has one been done yet, or is it still being planned? Pat Wright: We have a crew who took it upon themselves to do preliminary work, collect data, etc. This is kind of dangerous because the data they collect can't be called impartial. But these people are good at what they do. My main concern, it has been nearly a year and the fire is getting cold. GA lisa_nr: I thought there was an official EIR in progress? lisa_nr: That someone had donated the money to pay for one? Pat Wright: No, to be official it has to be filed with the state of California and they actually do it. We would hire a consultant, and we have one. Ironic that DFG then becomes our advocate in a way. GA lisa_nr: So how far are we really from that point? lisa_nr: I mean from filing with the state ga Pat Wright: As for the money, that was offered more than a year ago. The donor has been kept up to date, but a year is along time away - I keep giving them deadlines, people don't seem to agree with me, but now I'm saying it has to be done by March when the Ferret Round Up happens. GA fertive_nr: I'm wondering if you think it's time yet to give up in California? It seems like we're always on the brink but it never happens. Pat Wright: It is never time to give up. i think we've made progress that 4000 people recieve CLIFFNotes every Sunday. it shouldn't be that difficult, right now I'm blaming our crew working on the EIR for really screwing things up (sorry) GA PHBlackBear: Which is the other state that does not allow ferrets as legal pets - and Why do these two states feel ferrerts are threats? Pat Wright: Hawaii - obviously as an island eco system they've had problems ga Cory_nr: What do you think is the impact of the budget and economic problems in California on the fight for ferret legalization? Pat Wright: They've always said they've had better things to do. When we started in 1993 we got that line, and we came back with the time they spent declaring the banana slug as the official state mollusk. The ferret ban costs the state between $700,000 and $3,000,000 a year. Cory_nr: how does it cost that much? GA Pat Wright: We know that around 80% of the ferrets sold in neighboring states come to California. We're talking about the sales tax the other state collect. GA Cory_nr: ah. Thank you. GA lisa_nr: How have the vets in the state been on this issue? GA Pat Wright: They've had the political muscle to protect themselves. It is not illegal to have your ferret treated at the vet while you are present. GA lisa_nr: But do they support it in general? Or the CVMA? Pat Wright: The CVMA has been supportive but they have backed away because of the political infighting in the California ferret community years ago. To be honest, I can't get a phone call returned. GA lisa_nr: :( lisa_nr: You're depressing me now, man... Thanks, though, for the fight. GA PHKeeper: As a non ferret caretaker but interested in knowing. What is the problem with have Ferret basically anywhere? Pat Wright: The problems are purely political. Ferrets are considered the safest pet you can have with the exception of a guinea pig. Every study conducted says they aren't an environmental or health threat. GA PHKeeper: Health threat in what way? ga PHBully: Have there been any problems environmentally with ferrets in any other states? If not, can't CA see that/ GA Pat Wright: It actually states in a Department of Health Studies Report that ferrets shred tissue and suck blood. Pat Wright: No other state has reported an environmental problem. We do have an issue with New Zealand and the polecat - ferret hybrids. GA LeftCoast_nr: Pat, I have to be honest, it seems to me right now, we're nowhere. There's no EIR on the horizon, there's no political will in Sacramento, and ferret owners are still hiding out and hoping we don't get turned in by a vindictive neighbor or ex. Is there ANY good news or progress to report? GA Pat Wright: The good news is our memberships keep growing. infighting is now history - thanks to Lance. I've been assured they are making great progress on their environmental study. We were really stupid in the past to say we weren't goint o do the EIR, now we know what we need to do. ga fertive_nr: What happens if you're turned in for having a ferret in California? GA Pat Wright: that depends, there is no consistent policy. In fact, it hasn't happened in the last couple of months. But the ferret ban does cause that fear. I tell people to be much more afraid of their ferrets getting out, that ferrets are tragedy prone, and they run up huge vet bills. DFG is way down on the list of things to worry about. GA PHBlackBear: I'm assuming that "shredding tissue and sucking blood" is just some wild rumor? I know people with ferrets and have never heard this. Pat Wright: http://www.ferretsanon.com/ImportantDocs/Pet%20European%20Ferrets_DHS.pdf Pat Wright: Official publication of the state of California GA PHBumble: Pat, are we building up more funds now that Lance has taken over to help with the fight of legalizing Ferrets in CA? GA Pat Wright: Ferrets Anonymous is a separate organization. LegalizeFerrets was formed because three years ago FA had no legalization strategy or goals. You would have to ask Lance that question. I think it is best if i stay out of that. They kind of need a fresh start. GA PHBumble: as far as I know FA members haven't received a financial statement in years ga Pat Wright: It is published in every newsletter, which is free electronically. GA lisa_nr: How can I get involved in this effort? What can I do to help? Pat Wright: Thank you for asking![url href=http://www.ferretsanon.com/signup.html]http://www.ferretsanon.com/signup.html[/url] ga PHKeeper: In your opinion you think if they outlaw ferrets this is just the beginning of the end for other exotics? ga Pat Wright: DFG is opposed to three species, ferrets, hedgehogs and sugar gliders. But the ferret ban has most of their attention. GA Pat Wright: An interesting note is that according to the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, the leading trade group. Californians buy 27% of the nation's ferret supplies, 2nd year in a row. Cleobear_nr: Is that the highest nationwide? Pat Wright: Yes - California has more ferrets than any other state GA PHKeeper: In your opinion you think if they outlaw ferret this is just the beginning of the end for other exotics? PHKeeper: sorry ment what is the problem with ferret as pets in their minds Pat Wright: No, I think there are people who will start with breed-specific legislation against pit bulls. But that is just my guess and the dog lobby is a lot stronger. GA Pat Wright: A lot of our opponents have the "we don't need another pet to take care of" mentality. GA butters_nr: are there penalties if you get caught with a ferret? Do they assess charges or something? Basically what happens to owners if they are caught... Pat Wright: I think there have been two cases of fines in the last 15 years. Most people can say they didn't know ferrets were illegal (they sell everything you need at Petco and PetSmart) Normally they tell you to send you ferret out of state. GA butters_nr: do they follow up closely? Pat Wright: Animal Control doesn't really put their heart into this. The ferret ban is a hassle, who likes to remove pets from people's homes. I always tell people to cry and get emotional if Animal Control has their ferrets. DFG is made up people who hunt for fun, a totally different story. So Animal Control looks for an excuse to end the situation, DFG wants to go hunting. Pat Wright: i'm curious if there are lot of Californians here. GA PHKeeper: Ohio here PHBumble: CA here PHBully: Michigan here PHBlackBear: AR here Pat Wright: Well it was 82 degrees here today in California - its' not all bad. GA PHKeeper: << PHBumble: <~~~ wondering if Pat got any snow in December?
Pat Wright: Last time it snowed I was in third grade. it barely covered the ground and they locked down the school . 40 years later it still hasn't snowed in San Diego.
PHBully: wow
PHBlackBear: Pat I just wanted to thank you for all the work you do for ferrets. I know dog people have lots of work fighting breed specific bans.
PHBlackBear: Its a never ending task.
Pat Wright: thank you very much. I've met a lot of great people, and i think we are on the verge of success - we'll have the EIR and with our numbers growing we are wearing the opposition down. GA
PHKeeper: Thank you pat you are a endless worker and we need people like you
PHBumble: On behalf of Jeff Barringer and all of us here at all the Exotichobbyist.com communities, we want to thank you for taking your time to chat with us. Transcripts will be posted within a few days. Once again, Thank you Pat.
Pat Wright: my pleasure. ga
PHBumble: Please visit Pat's websites http://www.legalizeferrets.org/ and http://www.ferretsanon.com/
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