For nearly a century, Californians have been unfairly prohibited from owning domestic ferrets as pets. Despite overwhelming evidence showing that ferrets are safe, domesticated animals—no different from cats and dogs—the California Fish and Game Commission has maintained an outdated ban.

We are now taking formal action by submitting a petition to the California Office of Administrative Law (OAL), urging them to review the legality and justification of this ban. Although our attorney advised us that pursuing a lawsuit would be too expensive and unlikely to succeed, we believe this step with the OAL could make a difference. If the OAL rules in our favor, they could amend or repeal the ferret ban, making ferrets legal in California. 

If the OAL rules that the ferret ban was improperly enacted, they may declare the regulation invalid, which would force the California Fish and Game Commission to either lift the ban or go through the proper rulemaking process to re-enact it. If we win and Fish and Game doesn't respect the ruling, we will reactivate the lawsuit. If we lose, any lawsuit would also inevitable lose and wouldn't be worthwhile.

Important Note:
This is not an official petition, and you do not need to be a registered voter or a resident of California to sign. This is about gathering public support to show the OAL and state lawmakers that there’s broad backing for ferret legalization!

Why this matters:
Domestic Ferrets Are Safe: Domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) are not wild animals. They have been domesticated for over 2,000 years and are legal in nearly every state without issue. There is no evidence to support claims that ferrets are dangerous to public safety, agriculture, or wildlife.

Unjust Regulation: The current regulation, enacted in 1931, was based on outdated and incorrect assumptions. Since then, it has never been reassessed under modern legal and scientific standards, despite numerous advances in understanding animal domestication.

Our Effort with the Office of Administrative Law: We are officially petitioning the OAL to require a proper review of the ferret ban, which was never subjected to the rigorous legal standards introduced by the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). This is a critical step toward ending the ban and legalizing ferrets in California.

What We Are Asking:
We are requesting the OAL to:

Review and Amend the Regulation: We are asking the OAL to require the Fish and Game Commission to amend Title 14, Section 671 to remove domestic ferrets from the list of restricted species in California.

Ensure Fair Legal Process: We are asking for a transparent, evidence-based review that includes public testimony and scientific studies showing that domestic ferrets pose no significant threat to public safety, wildlife, or agriculture.

How You Can Help:
We need your voice to demonstrate that Californians and ferret lovers everywhere support ferret legalization! Sign this petition to show the OAL and state officials that you stand with us in calling for an end to this outdated and unjust ban.

Why Your Support Matters:
By signing this petition, you are helping us demonstrate that there is widespread support for the legalization of ferrets. Public backing is crucial, and if we can show the OAL that the public wants this change, we can make a real difference.

If the OAL rules in our favor, they may amend the ferret ban, legalize ferrets, or take other actions that will open the door to owning ferrets legally in California. If the OAL rules against us, we will reactivate our lawsuit, which will have a stronger chance of success with the backing of this public support.

 
Let’s make ferret legalization a reality in California!

 
Sign and share this petition to show your support!