Tag Archives: legalize domestic ferrets

California’s Ferret Ban: Inherited in 1933 – Never Determined

Newly Released Records Show No Evidence-Based Decision Ever Made

SAN DIEGO, Calif., Oct. 21, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — After nearly eight months of waiting for public records, Legalize Ferrets (LegalizeFerrets.org) has obtained internal California Fish and Game Commission documents confirming that California’s ban on domestic ferrets was never based on scientific or administrative findings.

Image caption: California’s Ferret Ban: Inherited in 1933 – Never Determined.

The newly released materials trace the prohibition back to 1933, when the Commission simply declared that it “absolutely prohibits importation of ferret and fitch.” No hearing, no environmental study, and no determination of domestication ever took place.

“Ferrets are banned because they are not ‘normally domesticated in this state,’ and they are not ‘normally domesticated in this state’ because they are banned,” said Pat Wright of LegalizeFerrets.org. “It’s circular logic that has gone unchallenged for ninety years.”

A TIMELINE OF BUREAUCRATIC INHERITANCE

1933: Rules and Regulations Governing the Importation of Wild Birds and Animals — Commission “absolutely prohibits importation of ferret and fitch.”
1975: Fish & Game Code §2116 amended to add “not normally domesticated,” and ferrets were automatically labeled as such — again with no hearing or evidence.
Today: The current ban remains a direct descendant of those early rules, never revisited through modern, evidence-based review.

“These documents prove the ban was inherited, not determined,” Wright said. “There was never a factual finding that ferrets are wild animals — just 1930s boilerplate carried forward.”

LEGALIZATION EFFORT GAINS TRACTION UNDER THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ACT

The campaign for ferret legalization gained new traction this year after LegalizeFerrets.org formally invoked California’s Administrative Procedures Act (APA).

Under the APA, state agencies must base decisions on scientific evidence, follow transparent procedures, and allow public comment before adopting or maintaining a regulation.

“This law finally puts the issue where it belongs — in the light of science and public participation,” Wright explained. “For the first time, the Commission is being required to justify its classification of domestic ferrets under modern standards.”

PETITION 2025-003 MOVES FORWARD

On June 11, 2025, the California Fish and Game Commission voted unanimously to accept Petition 2025-003 for further consideration. The petition seeks to remove domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) from the prohibited species list — the first formal step toward a scientific, evidence-based review.

“The issue is simple,” Wright said. “Are domestic ferrets domestic animals? If so, the Fish and Game Commission has no jurisdiction. That’s the question the state has avoided answering for nine decades.”

CALL FOR EXPERTS AND PUBLIC SUPPORT

LegalizeFerrets.org is now seeking expert witnesses in animal domestication, wildlife biology, and administrative law to assist as the case proceeds.
Supporters are also urged to add their name to the public petition at:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfYOnd3GDwgbsZoZYlja6p8GHJlOg71x2v_8v1m4BXf2I-BHQ/viewform?usp=header

MEDIA CONTACT:
Pat Wright
LegalizeFerrets.org
CLIFFNotes@legalizeferrets.org
(619) 757-7426
https://www.LegalizeFerrets.org

MULTIMEDIA:
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NEWS SOURCE: Legalize Ferrets

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Legalize Ferrets), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/californias-ferret-ban-inherited-in-1933-never-determined/

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.

Image caption: While the months fly by, we’re still waiting for answers. Our Public Records Act request to the California Fish and Game Commission has gone unanswered—just like the last 35 years of silence.

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

MULTIMEDIA:

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MEDIA ONLY CONTACT:
Pat Wright
LegalizeFerrets.org
CLIFFNotes@legalizeferrets.org
(619) 303-0645

NEWS SOURCE: Legalize Ferrets

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/deemed-wild-and-dangerous-but-fish-game-cant-produce-a-single-document-or-respond-to-our-records-request/

California Ferret Advocates Push Forward – Support Needed for Petition 2025-003!

LA MESA, Calif., March 18, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Ferret lovers across California and the nation are rallying behind Petition 2025-003, now officially acknowledged by the California Fish and Game Commission (FGC). This petition seeks to reclassify ferrets as domestic animals, challenging California’s outdated and scientifically unsupported ban, LegalizeFerrets.org announced today.

Image caption: Domestic ferrets are pets and don’t exist in the wild.

Despite being legal in 48 other states, ferrets remain classified as wild and detrimental in California—without public input or scientific justification. The Commission is set to review the petition in its upcoming meetings, and public support is critical to ensure fair consideration.

KEY MEETING DATES & HOW TO PARTICIPATE

The Fish and Game Commission will discuss Petition 2025-003 at the following meetings:

April 16-17, 2025 | Capitol Event Center, Sacramento, CA
June 11-12, 2025 | Sacramento area (Venue TBD)

Supporters are encouraged to attend in person or virtually and to submit written comments in favor of reclassifying ferrets as domestic animals.

HOW TO TAKE ACTION:

:: Attend the meetings – Show up in person or participate virtually. Details will be posted on FGC’s website.

:: Submit public comments – Email fgc@fgc.ca.gov or mail:
California Fish and Game Commission
P.O. Box 944209
Sacramento, CA 94244-2090

:: Share and spread the word – Let others know why ferrets deserve fair treatment under the law!

WHY THIS MATTERS

“Ferrets are not wild or dangerous. They’ve been domesticated for thousands of years,” said Pat Wright, founder of LegalizeFerrets.org. “California’s ban is based on outdated fears, and it’s time to correct this injustice. The Fish and Game Commission is legally obligated under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) to provide a fair and transparent review of our petition.”

CALL TO ACTION

This is a rare and crucial opportunity to finally bring ferrets into the legal pet category where they belong. California pet lovers, veterinarians, and animal welfare advocates must come together to ensure the Commission fairly considers Petition 2025-003.

Act Now! The Commission will be reviewing the petition soon—make sure they hear your voice!

Stay updated & learn more at https://www.legalizeferrets.org/

Location: California (Statewide)

Media Contact: Pat Wright, LegalizeFerrets.org, (619) 303-0645, CLIFFNotes@legalizeferrets.org

Together, let’s make ferret legalization a reality!

NEWS SOURCE: Legalize Ferrets

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/california-ferret-advocates-push-forward-support-needed-for-petition-2025-003/

Legalize Ferrets Pauses Lawsuit, Files Petition for Regulatory Change with California Office of Administrative Law

SAN DIEGO, Calif., Oct. 11, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Legalize Ferrets, the grassroots organization advocating for the legalization of domestic ferrets in California, has announced a strategic pause in its ongoing lawsuit in San Diego Superior Court. The decision follows the filing of a petition for regulatory change with the California Office of Administrative Law (OAL), marking a new approach in the effort to challenge the state’s longstanding ban on ferrets.

Image caption: Legalize Ferrets Files Petition for Regulatory Change with California Office of Administrative Law.

The shift in strategy stems from the fact that California’s ferret ban, enacted in 1931, predates the establishment of the OAL and the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). The APA mandates that all regulations go through a formal process to ensure transparency, accountability, and public input—something that did not occur with the ferret ban. By filing this petition, Legalize Ferrets is now addressing the issue where it originated: before the OAL.

“We believe this petition represents our best path forward,” said Pat Wright, founder of Legalize Ferrets. “The OAL was created to ensure that regulations like this are properly vetted through a formal process, which is something the ferret ban has never gone through. We are optimistic that this will lead to a fair and thorough review, which has been missing for nearly a century.”

The OAL has sixty days to respond to the petition, during which Legalize Ferrets remains committed to pursuing all available avenues for justice. While the lawsuit in San Diego Superior Court is paused, the group believes that the regulatory petition offers a strong chance of success by revisiting the legal basis for the ban.

“We’re not stepping back – we’re simply changing our approach,” Wright added. “We’re confident that the regulatory process will allow for a fresh and fair review of the facts, and we encourage our supporters to stay engaged and continue pushing for change.”

Supporters are encouraged to sign the Change.org petition to further the cause.

About Legalize Ferrets:

Legalize Ferrets is a grassroots organization dedicated to the legalization of domestic ferrets in California. The group advocates for legislative and regulatory changes to overturn the nearly century-old ban on ferrets in the state. Through legal action, public outreach, and education, Legalize Ferrets aims to ensure that ferret owners can enjoy the same rights as pet owners in 48 other states.

For more information, please visit https://www.legalizeferrets.org/.

The petition and exhibits are at (PDF): https://www.legalizeferrets.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Petition-for-Regulation-Change.pdf.

There is a change.org petition that people can sign at https://chng.it/mw7MJNpc95.

MULTIMEDIA:

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NEWS SOURCE: Legalize Ferrets

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/legalize-ferrets-pauses-lawsuit-files-petition-for-regulatory-change-with-california-office-of-administrative-law/

Long Time Ferret Activist Pat Wright Files Lawsuit Against California Fish and Game Commission President Eric Sklar

LA MESA, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Pat Wright, a resident of La Mesa, California, has filed a lawsuit against Eric Sklar, President of the California Fish and Game Commission in San Diego Superior Court, challenging the arbitrary classification of domestic ferrets as wild animals. The lawsuit, titled Wright v. Sklar, was filed in the San Diego Superior Court and seeks a writ of mandate and declaratory relief. Wright is the founder of LegalizeFerrets.org.

Mr. Wright, acting pro se, asserts that the California Fish and Game Commission's decision to categorize domestic ferrets as wild animals, without conducting thorough (or any) scientific studies or affording meaningful public input, is unjust and lacks a foundation in scientific evidence. The lawsuit alleges that this decision subjects domestic ferrets to unnecessary prohibition and regulatory restrictions.

The lawsuit highlights the fundamental rights at stake, including property rights, due process rights, and the right to have governmental decisions based on scientific evidence. Mr. Wright contends that the Commission's actions represent a clear violation of these rights and are incompatible with legal standards governing the proper classification of domesticated animals.

In response to a motion to demurrer filed by the Attorney General's office on behalf of Mr. Sklar, Mr. Wright has provided a detailed response, citing legal precedents and challenging the grounds for demurrer. He maintains that his petition for a writ of mandate is legally sufficient and urges the Commission to reconsider its intended demurrer.

Mr. Wright emphasizes his commitment to pursuing judicial recourse in a diligent and expedient manner. Despite efforts to secure legal representation, Mr. Wright has been unable to find an attorney, and he encourages any legal assistance or support in this matter.

For further information or inquiries regarding the lawsuit, please contact Wright at 619-303-0645 or via email at CLIFFNotes@legalizeferrets.org.

REF - court document ID: Case No.: 37-2024-00006114-CU-MC-CTL

Pat Wright, a resident of La Mesa, California, has filed a lawsuit against Eric Sklar, President of the California Fish and Game Commission in San Diego Superior Court, challenging the arbitrary classification of domestic ferrets as wild animals. The lawsuit, titled Wright v. Sklar, was filed in the San Diego Superior Court and seeks a writ of mandate and declaratory relief. Wright is the founder of LegalizeFerrets.org.

Related link: https://www.legalizeferrets.org/

California Ferret Owners Submit Ballot Initiative to Attorney General for Legal Opinion, But Attorney General Ignores Civil Code on Domestic Animals

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Non-profit Legalize Ferrets (legalizeferrets.org) announced today that we are disappointed that California Attorney General ignores Civil Code in Domestic Ferret Ballot Initiative.

LegalizeFerrets.org, a ferret legalization grassroots organization, has repeatedly asked the California Attorney General for a legal opinion.

Since the civil code says domestic animals are legal:

CIVIL CODE - CIV

DIVISION 2. PROPERTY [654 - 1422]

There may be ownership of all inanimate things which are capable of appropriation or of manual delivery; of all domestic animals; of all obligations; of such products of labor or skill as the composition of an author, the good will of a business, trade marks and signs, and of rights created or granted by statute.

Every credible source, and even the name states - domestic ferrets are domestic animals Therefore we wanted to know if the state of California officially recognized the domestic ferret as domestic would that mean they're legal? But we never received a reply from the AG.

According to the California Attorney General's website:

* As the chief law officer of the state, the California Attorney General provides legal opinions upon request to designated state and local public officials and government agencies on issues arising in the course of their duties. The formal legal opinions of the Attorney General have been accorded "great respect" and "great weight" by the courts.

Supporters of LegalizeFerrets.org have asked their representatives to make this request without success. So, we filed a ballot initiative in hopes that the title and summary would answer this question.

It was a treacherous journey. The AG's office ignored all our questions. We dealt with the Legislative Analyst's office and the Secretary of State's office - all successful; those people were friendly and helpful. But we could not get an answer on how to submit the ballot initiative from the AG until a Democratic Party activist with the state of Alaska gave us a contact phone number at the Secretary of State's office. Anabel Renteria finally emailed us with the suggestion:

You can submit your initiative anytime, in person, at the following address:

Department of Justice
1300 I St.
Sacramento, CA 95814

Five weeks later the title and summary were posted on their website:

California law identifies ferrets as wild animals that are restricted because "such animals are undesirable and a menace to native wildlife, the agricultural interests of the state, or to the public health or safety." Current law and regulations make it illegal to own ferrets as pets without a state permit.

No mention of the conflict between California's civil code which allows ownership of all domestic animals and other, namely Fish and Game Code which says:

* FISH AND GAME CODE 2116: Put ferrets in a group of wild animals. Says they are "not normally domesticated in this state as determined by the commission."

* FISH AND GAME CODE 2118: It is unlawful to import, transport, possess, or release alive into this state, except under a revocable, nontransferable permit as provided in this chapter and the regulations pertaining thereto, any wild animal of the following species: (ferrets are included in this list).

* (CCR), title 14, section 671: (a) It shall be unlawful to import, transport, or possess live animals restricted in subsection (c) below except under permit issued by the department. (You know ferrets are included in this list)

* (CCR), title 14, section 671: (b) The commission has determined the below listed animals are not normally domesticated in this state.

Why are these codes relevant but the civil code allowing ownership of all domestic animals isn't even mentioned?

Why won't the AG's office even communicate with us? We have a very valid and sincere question.

Facts are stubborn things. No one states that the domestic ferret is a wild animal. No one believes they are "wild," "undesirable," or a "menace." They are legal in 48 states without any negative consequences.

Learn more at: https://www.legalizeferrets.org/

Non-profit Legalize Ferrets (legalizeferrets.org) announced today that we are disappointed that California Attorney General ignores Civil Code in Domestic Ferret Ballot Initiative. The ferret legalization grassroots organization, has repeatedly asked the California Attorney General for a legal opinion.

Related link: https://www.legalizeferrets.org/