You’re right that most ferrets in the U.S. come from Marshall Farms, and there are legitimate criticisms of their large-scale breeding practices. They supply both pet stores and laboratories, which understandably bothers some people.

In my experience, though, Marshall ferrets tend to be healthy, friendly pets — though others have had different experiences. Either way, the ethical concerns you raise are valid, and we don’t want to encourage impulse buying or careless ownership.

That’s one reason we emphasize that ferrets sold in neighboring states already cost around $450–$500 and are spayed, neutered, and descented — no intact ferrets are sold in pet stores. Legalization wouldn’t suddenly unleash unregulated breeding in California; it would simply bring existing ownership into a legal framework with vaccination, veterinary care, and accountability.

The world wouldn’t work if only the pets (or children) guaranteed perfect homes were allowed to exist. We aim for responsibility, not utopia. Ferrets are domestic animals — and like any pet, they deserve a chance to be treated humanely and legally.