What's Happening in Encinitas, CA…

California has banned ferrets as pets, but fans of the mammal petitioned Encinitas to legalize keeping them. The city recently denied the request.

Four out of the five city council members expressed opposition to making ferrets legal pets, citing their concern that if domestic ferrets were to escape to live outside, they had the potential to become an invasive species. California has had experience with invasive species before, having battled nutria, a semi-aquatic animal that resembles a beaver, as well as an invasive plant, the caulerpa. The state's ban on ferrets went into effect in 1933. California and Hawaii are currently the only two states that do not allow people to keep ferrets as pets.

Jody Hubbard, the deputy mayor, said that although ferrets are beautiful creatures, she also believes in science, which suggests they could be a problem. Her thinking was echoed by Catherine Blakespear, the mayor of Encinitas, as well as Councilman Joe Mosca, James Wang, the environmental commissioner, and the former public safety and traffic commissioner, Christina Simokat. These officials, as well as residents Kathleen and Dennis Lees, said the ban is designed to stop animals overrunning the ecosystem. Officials could use brochure printing to create Brochures warning of the dangers of keeping the animals as pets.

Although Encinitas has upheld the ban locally, ferret fanciers will still be able to appear before the state legislature to argue their case.Get a Free Quote for Brochures