“They’re cute – but I believe in science.” Encinitas Deputy Mayor Jody Hubbard
On the March 20th agenda at the Encinitas city council was Council Resolution No. 2019-07, titled “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Encinitas In Support of Those Seeking Legalization of Domestic Ferrets in the State of California.”
City staff recommended approval. Encinitas’ municipal code already refers to ferrets as domestic and companion animals. Ferrets are legal in 48 states without any detrimental issues. What could go wrong?
Three long time Encinitas residents spoke in opposition.
Local ecologist, Dennis Lee Writs, said ferrets “can escape or be released and then they return to acting like the veracious predators they are naturally in the wild.”
- But domestic ferrets simply don’t exist in the wild.
Don Rideout writes: “Once released, these animals can wreak havoc on local ecosystems.”
- It has never happened.
Christina Simokat writes: “Ferrets could easily become an invasive species in our temperature climate – killing native wildlife and competing with them for scarce resources.”
- “Easily?” – could you provide any documentation?
None of these speakers brought any “science” to the meeting. Because their science is non-existent. Their politics is quite apparent.
Ferrets were originally outlawed in 1933 when the state of California banned all mustelids. At the time nobody cared. But in the 1970’s ferrets started to enter the pet trade.
The 1982 film, Beastmaster, which featured two ferrets accelerated the trend. About a dozen states prohibited ferrets at the time, only California and Hawaii maintain the ban.
While other states legalized ferrets, California dug in their heels. They published several reports, most famously PET EUROPEAN FERRETS: A HAZARD TO PUBLIC HEALTH, SMALL LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE written by Denny G Constantine, an expert in bats with no ferret experience. The report was widely panned for its unscientific approach and use of anecdotal material. We think of it as the “Reefer Madness” of the anti-ferret publications put out by the state of California
The relationship between state agencies that regulate the ferret and California ferret owners was very antagonistic. We felt the state treated the ferret issue unfairly and without logic.
The California Fish and Game Commission under new leadership Eric Sklar has been more open but not very helpful. They have acknowledged that they know ferrets are domestic animals, but the code still refers to them as wild, and thus prohibited.
After our last appearance at a Fish and Wildlife Committee meeting where the Commission voted down our request that they once again issue permits for ferrets, Eric Sklar called me.
He explained that their hands are tied on ferrets because it would require a full-blown EIR. He said (and I think he meant this unofficially) that we would have to pay $200,000 but when all finished it would be $600,000. And afterwards the Commission would be sued by environmental groups opposing it.
We were told to find a legislator; legislation is not subject to CEQA. The end result, don’t come back to the Fish and Wildlife Commission, we won’t do anything for you – despite saying unofficially they know our ferrets are domestic animals.
He recommended legalization by legislation. “Get a Legislator” he told me. “Legislation isn’t subject to CEQA requirements.”
We can’t find a legislator. Legislators aren’t interested in ferrets. It is not a sexy or big money subject. In fact, it is seen as a joke issue. Thus, we went to local cities looking for help. La Mesa passed a resolution for ferret legalization. They called the ferret ban an “antiquated law.”
No easy task. We haven’t been able to even speak to a legislator so far this year.
Who are these “Environmentalists” who will sue on any action that legalizes ferrets?
We asked the Sierra Club and got the same stock answer:
Sierra Club has long opposed holding wild animals as pets, but particularly when those animals could present a problem if they accidentally or intentionally are introduced into the state’s natural areas. There are many, many examples of exotic critters that have become problems in California after being introduced into the wild. One that I am very familiar with is the bull frog, which has helped push out other amphibian species in certain habitats since its introduction in the 19th century.
Kathryn Phillips
But where are the facts, the data? There are no wild domestic ferrets and they’ve never gone feral. But our opponents keep using out dated material and refuse to reexamine the issue.
We appreciate that the city of Encinitas even considered the issue. I am grateful for the help and support of city staff. Special thanks to Councilmember Tony Kranz who advocated for us.
If you aren’t comfortable with the issue – fine. We don’t elect city councilmembers on their knowledge of ferrets. But we expect fairness.
Science doesn’t support the ferret ban, but the Sierra Club does. Politicians are loathe to be seen as anti-environmental, but a little common sense indicates if ferrets haven’t become an invasive species yet – they won’t become one later. They’re already here in large numbers.