Ferret Sales Under Fire in Maryland
The most restrictive legislation yet regarding the sale of ferrets
in Maryland was introduced in February and stands a good chance
of passing, according to the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council
(Washington).
The proposed legislation would ban the import or sale of
ferrets under 10 weeks of age. This age requirement is greater
than the standard imposed on other animals, including cats
and dogs, and has no basis in science, according to the trade
organization. Pet ferrets are now commonly shipped to retailers
at 7 to 8 weeks of age.
House Bill 620 also includes the following provisions:
- No commercial entity may transport, sell or offer for sale
a ferret that is not “spayed or castrated” (except
when selling the ferret to a breeder).
- Breeders/distributors may not sterilize a ferret under 6
weeks of age and must wait an additional seven days following
the procedure before shipping the animal.
- Breeders/distributors must provide certification verifying
the date each ferret was sterilized.
- Breeders/distributors must also provide certification with
each ferret shipped that they are in compliance with the law.
At press time, the bill was scheduled for a February hearing
before the House Judiciary Committee. [April 2005 PET AGE]
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