WINNIPEG—Following the release of heartbreaking undercover footage, a major U.S.-based ferret rescue group has offered its support and pledged up to $50,000 USD to help any ferrets who are rescued from appalling conditions at a Manitoba breeding mill and come into its care.
The generous offer of assistance comes after Animal Justice released an undercover investigation exposing the horrific conditions at the breeding mill located in Melita. Around 500 ferrets were found living in filthy, overcrowded cages, exposed to extreme weather, and dying from disease and attacks by wild animals.
Deeply troubled by the investigation, the Ferret Association of Connecticut, one of the oldest ferret rescue groups in the U.S., has committed to providing resources to aid ferrets seized or released from the mill, including money for veterinary care and physical transport. The group has also offered to assist with placement for any ferrets released or removed from the facility and to mobilize its nationwide network of shelters and veterinarians to help in any rescue effort.
“These ferrets deserve far better than to be left suffering in filth, darkness, and fear. We applaud the work of Animal Justice to bring attention to their plight,” said L. Vanessa Gruden, Executive Director of the Ferret Association. “We stand ready to provide immediate financial and logistical support to help relocate and care for these animals. Given patience, love, and time, every ferret—no matter how rough their start—can become a wonderful companion. Obviously, 500 is a lot of ferrets! It wouldn’t be easy. But we believe these lives deserve better, and every life that can be saved is a blessing.”
Animal Justice submitted a complaint to Manitoba’s Chief Veterinary Office (CVO) nearly two months ago, asking authorities to investigate and seize animals being kept in unlawful conditions. The CVO has confirmed it is investigating, but Animal Justice continues to urge them to act swiftly to seize the ferrets and facilitate their rescue. Animal Justice has alerted the CVO to the Ferret Association’s generous offer of assistance. Though the conditions at the breeding mill are likely illegal, it appears no ferrets have been removed to date.
“At a time of great tension between Canada and the U.S., this generous pledge is a reminder that compassion knows no borders. Concern for these animals has brought people together across nations, and with support ready and waiting, we hope these animals will be rescued swiftly and provided with the loving care they deserve,” said Kaitlyn Mitchell, director of legal advocacy for Animal Justice. “The longer these smart, social, and curious animals are left in these deplorable conditions, the more they will suffer. There is not a moment to lose.”
For years, animal protection groups have warned that Manitoba’s failure to enforce its companion animal breeder licensing requirements has allowed inhumane and unregulated breeding mills to flourish. The province has opted not to enforce licensing rules for over a decade, leaving breeders of dogs, cats, reptiles, and small animals like ferrets and rabbits to operate with virtually no oversight.
Contact:
Josh Lynn
Public Relations Manager
jlynn@animaljustice.ca
Kaitlyn Mitchell
Director of Legal Advocacy
kmitchell@animaljustice.ca
L. Vanessa Gruden
Executive Director, Ferret Association of Connecticut
lvgruden@ferretassn.org
The post U.S. Rescue Group Pledges $50,000 to Help Hundreds of Ferrets Suffering at Manitoba Breeding Mill appeared first on Animal Justice.
