Welfare Society
(Last update 14th March, 2007)
First UK prosecution for cruelty to ferrets. Report: (jpeg sizes 109Kb and 74Kb)
The NFWS goes to Court: Report
Click here for details of Ferrets First the UK's Number One ferret magazine
Recent Updates to:
Articles from Ferret First - 21st February 2007
Showdates - 21st Feb 2007
Ferret Friendly UK Vets - 21st February 2007
Ferret Rescues and Sancturies - 14th March 2007
Rabbit control service - 14th February 2007
Affiliated Clubs & Others - 2nd January 2007
Articles, Stories etc from NFWS Newsletters - 31st July 2005
Health Matters - 30th July 2005
THE TRULY NATIONAL SOCIETY WHERE THE WELFARE OF THE FERRET COMES FIRST
Ferrets are NOT wild animals; they are domesticated descendants of the wild polecat, members of the Mustelidae family of animals that include the stoat, weasel, otter and badger.
Ferrets are kept by a wide variety of people, either as working animals or as pets. They range in colour from pink-eyed albinos, through increasingly darker markings, to the polecat coloured ferret, which retains the dark mask of the wild polecat.
A working ferret is one that is used for flushing wild rabbits out of their burrows, which is a humane and environmentally acceptable means of pest control.
Pet ferrets can be great companions. They play actively, especially with a companion and like nothing better than to rummage in whatever is available! Ferrets that are neutered lose the strong musky smell and have no more body odour than other pets.
For whatever reason you keep ferrets, the NFWS can be a source of information that members can consult to help them look after their ferrets better and work them properly.
The Society has many active, individual members and affiliated clubs, spread throughout the United Kingdom and as a field as Europe, Australia and the USA.
The affiliated clubs and organisations, support the objectives of the NFWS
Ferret clubs combine advice on the husbandry and welfare of ferrets, and information and instruction on the use of working ferrets, together with the social activities and companionship associated with any club.
There are also separate welfare and rescue organisations, run by active members of the NFWS, who sadly are too often asked to help where ferrets have been neglected or abandoned by their keepers.
What is the ferret population of the UK? ... Who knows? It could be as many as one million, or even more, since there are many ferret keeper who do not belong to any of the recognised bodies.
The NFWS aims to promote responsible ownership.
....... Look after your ferret properly and it will work its heart out for you, or be an excellent companion.
At country shows and similar events, you will often find a ferret show run by a local club, or the NFWS. There may be judging or classes for the best albino, coloured or polecat ferret. Or just a display of ferrets where knowledgeable owners are prepared to pass on welfare informtion to interested visitors.
Both these activities encourage improved welfare conditions for the ferrets.
You may also see ferret racing. Ferrets are naturally curious and will usually find their way along the racing tubes without any persuasion from their owners. Racing is also used to raise funds for a club.
DEBBIE DAVENPORT FALCONRY
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