Sec. 3.
(1) A hobby breeder may engage in the breeding of ferrets without a license or permit if all of the following criteria are met:
(a) Ferrets are housed indoors, and the temperature is sufficiently regulated by heating or cooling to protect the ferrets from extremes of temperature, to provide for their health, and to prevent their discomfort. Fresh air is provided by means of windows, doors, vents, fans, or air conditioning and shall be ventilated so as to minimize drafts, odors, and moisture condensation. Lighting by natural or artificial means is ample and of sufficient intensity to permit routine inspection and cleaning.
(b) Each ferret has a minimum of 2 square feet of floor space in a well-ventilated cage. Each cage is equipped with, at a minimum, a food hopper or bowl, a water bottle, a litter box, and bedding appropriate for the season. Breeding females are provided with a draft-proof nest box of not less than 1 cubic foot of space.
(c) The food is wholesome and of sufficient quantity and nutritive value to maintain all ferrets in good health. Ferrets are fed at least once a day except as dictated by veterinary treatment. Food receptacles are located so as to be accessible and placed so as to minimize contamination. Food receptacles are kept clean and sanitary at all times.
(d) Water is accessible at all times, except as dictated by veterinary treatment, for the health and comfort of the ferret. All water receptacles are kept clean and sanitary at all times.
(e) Excretia is removed from a cage and a litter box is disinfected as often as necessary to maintain ferrets in a state of good health and minimize odors.
(f) A ferret with any congenital or developmental defect is not used in a breeding program or offered for stud or hire.
(g) Beginning on the effective date of this act, a ferret is not sold by a hobby breeder without a contract of sale that provides that if for any reason the buyer of the breeder's ferret or ferrets finds that the buyer can no longer keep the ferret or ferrets, the breeder will take the ferret or ferrets back without question or conditions placed on the return of the animal. The contract shall make it clear that the buyer shall not sell, surrender, give, or otherwise transfer the ferret or ferrets to anyone except the original breeder.
(h) A ferret is not sold or offered for sale before the ferret is at least 10 weeks old.
(i) The hobby breeder establishes a program of veterinary care with a veterinarian that includes regularly scheduled visits to monitor ferret health and husbandry.
(2) The hobby breeder's veterinarian shall annually review the program of veterinary care required under subsection (1)(i).
(3) A breeder may engage in the breeding of ferrets pursuant to title 9, C.F.R., subchapter A, part 1, section 1.1 and subpart F, sections 3.125 through 3.142.
(4) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.
History: 1994, Act 358, Imd. Eff. Dec. 22, 1994