Ferrets have been banned in New York City ever since Mayor Rudy Giuliani's bill in 1999. While ferrets are banned in NYC boroughs (Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, Manhattan, and The Bronx), they remain to be legal pets in other parts of New York. If this is the case, why are ferrets banned in the first place?

     It is true that this ban was specific to ferrets due to rabies concerns and fears of attacks on children. However, there have been fewer than twenty cases of rabies in ferrets in the United States since 1954 and the chances of a ferret becoming vicious towards humans are extremely low. If, however, a person is still wary of the ferret species, it should be in their own discretion whether or not they should be allowed to own one. In fact, thirty-six U.S. dog bite-related fatalities have occurred in 2018, proving that “man’s best friend” can actually be more harmful than housing a ferret.

     Ferrets make excellent pets, as they can bring much joy to their owners. They are playful, curious, sociable, and intelligent animals, and owning a ferret has proven health benefits for the owner due to the joy and affection they bring. Not only are they such lovable pets, but they are extremely easy to manage. They are quiet, simple to feed, easy to exercise, and they can be litter-trained. Does this seem like a rabid monster to you? If not, please help me by signing this petition to make ferrets legal in NYC. If certain parts of New York can have them, why can’t we?