Why are ferrets illegal?

Talking about ferrets for a very long time makes them very dear to me. I am sure several people out there are as obsessed with ferrets as I am, but here is the fact like hedgehogs several parts of the world do not allow ferrets as pets.

The reason behind this is that most states of the world still declare them as wild and exotic animals which can harm children and other animals. 

In addition to this, the major reason behind this restriction is also because many parts of the world are not a natural habitat for ferrets. Hence, when a foreign animal is introduced to an area, there will be consequences. 

You don’t know how they are going to behave with the new environment and vice versa. 

Therefore to own a ferret, it’s imperative to learn that they shouldn’t be banned in your area and if it is so then why are ferrets illegal? 

As it is evident that the local municipality of the area is much more concerned and will be strict regarding the ban on ferrets, therefore, you have to check first before getting a ferret. 

Why are ferrets illegal in California? 

The whole world celebrates the World ferrets day on April 2nd, but sadly Californians don’t get a chance to celebrate much. 

The ban has been continued since 1933 until now and the major reason which states mention behind this ban is the major differences between the ferrets that are kept captivated and the wild ones.

Also, there are some threats and risks which are orthodox and are based upon assumptions. The governments usually come up and say that ferrets can pose a threat to the environment. 

However, before the time people posed the question why are ferrets illegal? ferrets have been used as companions, as hunters and a significant source of getting rid of rodents. 

The domestication of the ferrets is not something new. The people have been doing this for the last 2500 years. The major thing which people do not know is that they are different from wild ones which are more related to weasels and polecats. 

They are much different from the wild ferrets. Especially the feral ferrets that can’t survive at all in the wild and releasing them in the wild due to such kinds of bans is pure racism and brutality. 

A member from the organization which forces the governments to legalize ferrets, Pat Wright, says that: “It’s similar to the fact that you call a poodle a wolf”.

He also adds that there are no ferret attacks reported in the countries which permit them. Also, many of you have heard a ferret attack and read the article about an attack done by a ferret. There is nothing negative about ferrets (talking about domesticated ones). So why are ferrets illegal? 

However, apart from these facts, the governments still force to ban keeping ferrets as pets. Also, the government continues to capture the ferrets from their owners in the areas in which they are prohibited. 

Ferrets are very jolly, friendly, and sociable creatures. They love to play with you. You should only go for a ferret if it’s allowed in your state and if you can take proper care of them only then you should go for a pet ferret. 

There is nothing dangerous about ferrets. At their most, the most dangerous thing which you can expect from them, is a bite. The bites are also much similar to the bites of a cat. 

The interesting thing is  that there are also animals which pose much more threat to the environment as well as living beings in that environment. But in contrast to the ferret ban, the state doesn’t find those animals to be fit for a ban. 

For example, cats, which seem very cute and any danger is hardly associated with it, can transmit several infections and diseases. 

Cat scratch fever is the central infection that is transmitted by them. Moreover, toxoplasmosis is also a kind of disease which is very dangerous for fetuses in pregnancy. 

Also, dogs which are also apparently very faithful animals but you see there are almost 4.5 million dog bites that are reported each year. This dog bites ultimately result in an average death toll of 20-30 deaths. Apart from this death ratio, the government cannot ban on dogs. 

Organizations which are forcing the state governments and locals to legalize ferrets propose a bill that should be passed for the legalization of ferrets.  The bill says that the question why are ferrets illegal is valid because if other pets like cats and dogs are free to have as pets then why not ferrets? 

The bill also mentions that ferrets should be neutered or spayed before reaching the pet store. In addition to this, as for the other pets, there are vet centers the same should be available for ferrets so that owners can have scheduled vaccination routines which will ultimately prevent the risk of rabies and other threats. 

It is nothing funny about an owner being attached to his ferret. It is the same as the cat and dog owners are attached to their pet cats and dogs, respectively. 

In addition, the domesticated ferrets are not a threat to the environment as well. They are not more dangerous than cats. So, keeping a ban on them still after knowing the facts it’s cruel and unjust. 

Ferrets banned in New York City and beyond.

Ferrets are among the most popular animals and pets. Alas! Several countries and states do not allow them to be kept as pets. New York and California are among the top countries that hold a ban on ferrets. 

The major reasons for the ban are biting, which can cause rabies, and escaping of ferrets. Posing a threat to the ecosystem and native wildlife.

But the families who own them don’t report any such incidents, and even if there are some, they are not more than cat or dog’s bites. So what’s the reason? Or why are ferrets illegal is just a hype? 

Misconceptions about  ferrets:

Mostly ferrets have got a bad reputation; they resemble wild animals like weasels and other exotic wild creatures. But that’s all due to poor delivery of information about ferrets through the media. All the issues can be resolved by proper ferret care.  

A responsible ferret owner can tackle all the issues related to a ferret as any accountable cat or dog owner does.With proper training and guidance, all the risks that are associated with ferrets can be minimized, and the question ” why ferrets are illegal?” will exist no more. 

Ferrets should be provided with a proper course of vaccination. Prevent diseases like rabies and others, this attempt is necessary and should be applied strictly. 

It’s a total myth that they do not need any maintenance or require low attention. In contrast, they do need proper care and attention to resolve their behavior problems because they cannot be restricted to a cage. 

When you ask a responsible ferret owner how it’s like to have ferrets as pets, they usually reply with a hot gesture saying that they are marvelous creatures and make wonderful pets. 

So why the question why are ferrets illegal still exists in many countries. 

Countries like New York and California need to revise their laws about ferret restriction and ban. After all, they can be a great option to invest in as the internet is obsessing over them.

Question and Answers

Why are ferrets illegal in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, there are strict laws regarding having ferrets as pets. They are strictly prohibited from having as pets. The major cause of this restriction is that they are a significant source of transferring rabies. However, there are some areas outside of Hawaii in which they are domesticated and are kept as pets.

Why are ferrets illegal in California?

Many countries including, California, have a strict ban on keeping ferrets as pets. The cause behind the ban which the government mentions is that they are a potent source of many diseases like rabies and also they are not native to California, therefore, they can have adverse effects on the ecosystem and the natural wildlife of California. However, organizations for ferret legalization states that these are all superstitions because ferret attack incidents are much lesser than dogs. So they declare this ban as an absurd one.

Why are ferrets illegal in New York?

Ferrets have earned a bad reputation because of their similarity with weasels, and more credit goes to the harmful polecat ancestor. Therefore New York declares them as wild and dangerous animals which can be a reason for several fatal diseases to the people and the other life that is inhabiting New York.