Petition to Reclassify Domestic Ferrets in California

Seeking Letters of Support

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We have officially submitted Petition FGC1 along with a comprehensive set of exhibits to the California Fish and Game Commission (FGC) requesting the removal of domestic ferrets from the state’s list of restricted species (Title 14, Section 671).

Why This Matters

For decades, ferret owners in California have been unfairly burdened by an outdated and scientifically unsupported classification that considers ferrets “wild and detrimental” animals. Meanwhile, ferrets are recognized as domestic pets in 48 other states and by agencies such as the USDA and AVMA.

Our petition presents strong legal, scientific, and economic arguments that prove ferrets should be reclassified as domestic animals.

What We Submitted

Our petition includes the following key materials:

📌 Form FGC1 – The official request to amend Title 14, Section 671 and reclassify ferrets as domestic animals.

📌 Exhibits A-J – Supporting documentation, including:
✅ Legal References – Fish and Game Codes showing the Commission’s authority to reclassify ferrets.
✅ Scientific Evidence – Reports confirming ferrets pose no environmental threat and cannot establish wild populations.
✅ Historical Evidence – Examples of the Commission’s past actions reclassifying species such as the Asian Water Buffalo.
✅ Public Records Act Response – Proving that no official hearings or studies were conducted before classifying ferrets as wild and detrimental.
✅ Video Evidence – Recordings from the August 22, 2023, and October 9, 2023, Fish and Game Commission meetings revealing the Commission’s misrepresentation and ongoing delays in addressing this issue.

Key Takeaways

🔹 Ferrets are NOT wild animals. They have been domesticated for over 2,000 years.
🔹 There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that ferrets pose a risk to California’s wildlife or agriculture.
🔹 The Commission has stalled and misrepresented the process, creating unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
🔹 Reclassification would generate economic benefits for California through licensing, pet care services, and increased pet industry sales.

Next Steps

🚀 We need your support! Here’s how you can help:
📢 Spread the word! Share this page and raise awareness about the petition.
📝 Stay informed! We will provide updates on the Commission’s response and next actions.
📩 Contact your representatives! Encourage lawmakers to support ferret reclassification.

We are committed to ending California’s outdated ferret ban and ensuring responsible pet ownership. Thank you for standing with us! 🦦💙Petition FGC1

If we continue to be treated unfairly we will be back in court. The way we are treated will be key in any future lawsuit.