What is the N.F.W.S?
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The National Ferret Welfare Society (NFWS) was formed in 1986 from the remnants of an earlier society and attempts to bring together those interested in improving the lives of ferrets, whether workers or pets, from all parts of the United Kingdom and the rest of the world.
The main objectives are to:-
promote the general well-being of the ferret
offer advice on housing, feeding, ailments and general husbandry
stimulate local veterinary practices and research organisations to consider the needs of the ferret
promote their correct and most effective use in vermin control
promote the image of the ferreter
The NFWS is run by an elected committee and has numerous Area Co-ordinators, who are supported by a National Area Co-ordinator. All are recruited from the membership to help you with your problems. There are also many other ferret organisations in the UK, some are affiliated to the NFWS, and others are independent. A list of Affiliated Clubs can be found here.
The aim of the National Ferret Welfare Society is to educate the younger member, and the not so young, that ferrets, as other animals, respond to kindness and will work their hearts out for a kind owner. There is no place today for the horrendous practice of sewing up a ferret's lips before work (known as coping) or the use of metal muzzles. Some owners still think a ferret should be starved before work and other insist that gloves should be worn to handle them.
You can help the NFWS to dispel the image of the hedgerow poacher, for years the ferreter's unfortunate badge of reference, and educate those who insist, "there's nowt you can teach me!"
The NFWS produces a quarterly newsletter for its members and organises a minimum of two main events each year; the National Ferret Fair held during the summer months, an open show and the members only Christmas Show (combining the AGM) held in December. Members may also be seen at other country events representing the NFWS.
To gather veterinary information the NFWS will help with member's veterinary costs for post mortems and disease tests.
A public liability insurance policy covers all members and their immediate families when they are at shows or out working with their ferrets.
To apply to join the NFWS please read the Constitution and Rules, print out the membership form, fill in the required information and send to the membership secretary along with your subscription. There are currently three types of membership: Individual, Family and Junior.
Ferret clubs may be "Affiliated" to the Society for an Affiliated Club membership fee. Insurance cover for the affiliated members is additional. Clubs wishing to apply for Affiliation and Insurance Cover should send an application signed by two elected members, the Club's constitution and membership numbers to the NFWS Secretary if you seek insurance cover.
The NFWS is an affiliated member of the Countryside Alliance and we appoint 'the Ferret Representative' to the council of "The Countryside Alliance teach me!"