Deemed Wild and Dangerous-But Fish & Game Can't Produce a Single Document or Respond to Our Records Request
LA MESA, Calif., May 21, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- On February 12,
2025, a formal Public Records Act (PRA) request was submitted to the
California Fish and Game Commission seeking documentation to justify the
classification of domestic ferrets as "not normally domesticated in
California" by LegalizeFerrets.org. The request specifically asked for any
scientific studies, internal memos, environmental risk assessments, or
correspondence used to uphold the ongoing prohibition of domestic ferrets
under Title 14, Section 671 of the California Code of Regulations.
As of today-more than 90 days later-no responsive records have been
produced.
We acknowledge and appreciate the professional efforts of Executive
Director Melissa Miller-Henson and her staff, particularly Cynthia McKeith,
who confirmed receipt of our request and committed to transparency. This is
not a failure of staff, who were given an impossible task: to produce
evidence that likely doesn't exist.
"We're not angry with the staff. In fact, we feel for them. Melissa
Miller-Henson inherited a legacy of bureaucratic neglect. We're sorry she
got stuck with this," said Pat Wright, who submitted the request. "But
after 35 years of petitions being ignored or quietly denied without
justification, we're done being silent."
The request asked for documents dating back to 1931, when the original
mustelid regulation was enacted. The public has a right to know: was the
ferret ban ever based on actual evidence, or has it simply persisted
unchallenged?
In the absence of records, this silence speaks volumes. The California Fish
and Game Commission owes the public more than a stall - it owes an
explanation.
We remain committed to transparency, due process, and accountability in our
campaign to legalize domestic ferrets in California. All responses, or lack
thereof, will be documented publicly.
For more information or to follow the ongoing effort, visit:
https://www.legalizeferrets.org
