Ferrets already are covered under the Animal Welfare Act by broad standards that apply to all regulated animals. However, the USDA is authorized to adopt species-specific standards as well. For example, the AWA currently prohibits licensees from shipping dogs and cats before they are at least 8 weeks old.

According to the petition, “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.”

In an accompanying letter, Sandra Kudrak, D.V.M.—the principal author of the petition, according to the IFC Web site—also claims to have conducted a research study on the health of ferrets in pet stores and found “approximately 40 percent of ferret kits being offered to the public for sale had signs of clinical illness: pneumonia, diarrhea, emaciation, prolapsed rectums and other conditions.” The study also found that many of the kits were 6 weeks to 7 weeks old, without adult dentition that would allow them to eat kibbled food.

Nothing in the petition points to specific evidence of the alleged practices, according to the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (Washington). “More significantly, there is no indication that poor care and shipping practices for ferrets—to the degree they may actually exist—are due to deficiencies in the existing regulations, rather than a failure to comply with existing standards,” said a PetAlert the trade association issued in September.

“PIJAC is still in the process of reviewing the issue, and accepting feedback from our members,” said Mike Maddox, legislative specialist.

The USDA comment period has been extended to Nov. 18. For more information, visit www.pijac.org, or contact Maddox at (202) 452-1525.