NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Pet skunk

A pet skunk is a skunk kept by humans for companionship and enjoyment. Although capable of living indoors with humans similarly to dogs or cats, pet skunks are relatively rare, partly due to restrictive laws and the complexity of their care. Pet skunks are mainly kept in the United States, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy. Genera Conepatus Mydaus Mephitis Spilogale Skunks are mammals, usually with black-and-white fur, that are best known for their ability to excrete a strong foul smelling odor. ... Trinomial name Canis lupus familiaris The dog (Canis lupus familiaris) is a domestic subspecies of the wolf, a mammal of the Canidae family of the order Carnivora. ... Binomial name Felis catus Linnaeus, 1758 Synonyms Felis lybica invalid junior synonym The cat (or domestic cat, house cat) is a small carnivorous mammal. ...

In the United States, pet skunks can be purchased from licensed animal shelters, non-profit skunk educational organizations such as the American Domestic Skunk Association, Inc., or breeders with a permit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Baby skunk availability peaks during springtime, immediately following the skunk mating season. Some large fur farms sell surplus skunks to pet stores. Dog at a no-kill animal shelter in Washington, Iowa An animal shelter is a facility that houses homeless, lost or abandoned animals; primarily a large variety of dogs and cats. ... This article concerns Breeder, an occupation in agriculture, animal husbandry, or animal fancy. ... â€œUSDAâ€ redirects here. ... Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is an operating unit of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). ... Estrus (also spelled œstrus) or heat in female mammals is the period of greatest female sexual responsiveness usually coinciding with ovulation. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

Skunks are probably best known for their ability to spray foul-smelling fluid as a defense against predators. Most wild skunks spray only when injured or attacked, as a defense mechanism. The mercaptan-emitting scent glands (commonly referred to as "the stinker") are usually removed in pet skunks at about four weeks of age.^[1] In chemistry, thiols (formerly known as mercaptans) are those compounds which contain the thiol group -SH attached to a carbon atom. ... Human submaxillary gland. ...

History

Skunks are native to the Americas and are noted in historical accounts of Christopher Columbus. Skunks were reportedly kept as pets by some Native American nations. Farmers valued domesticated skunks for their ability to kill rodents and other pests. Skunk pelts were also used for coats and frequently passed off as marten fur. Before the 1950s, they were sold under ambiguous names such as "American sable" and "Alaskan sable".^[2] The courts finally ruled that the customer must be informed of any purchase that contained skunk parts. The skunk fur market subsequently collapsed. Since then, skunks have been mainly bred as pets. World map showing the Americas The Americas are the lands of the Western hemisphere historically considered to consist of the continents of North America and South America with their associated islands and regions. ... Christopher Columbus (1451 â€“ May 20, 1506) was a navigator and colonialist who is one of the first Europeans to discover the Americas, after the Vikings. ... This article is about the people indigenous to the United States. ... Families Many, see text The order Rodentia is the most numerous of all the branches on the mammal family tree. ... This is a disambiguation. ... Species Martes americana Martes flavigula Martes foina Martes gwatkinsii Martes martes Martes melampus Martes pennanti Martes zibellina For the Wiltshire village see Marten, Wiltshire. ... For other uses, see Fur (disambiguation). ... Binomial name Martes zibellina Linnaeus, 1758 The Sable (Martes zibellina) is a small mammal, closely akin to the martens, living in southern Russia near the Ural Mountains through Siberia and Mongolia to HokkaidÅ in Japan. ...

In the 20th century, most U.S. states outlawed the keeping of wild animals as part of their efforts to stem the spread of rabies. Only about one-third of states continued to allow domestic skunks. In the 1990s, skunk enthusiasts began establishing mailing lists and organized for skunk law reform. In the 2000s, similar initiatives took place in Canada. (19th century - 20th century - 21st century - more centuries) Decades: 1900s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s As a means of recording the passage of time, the 20th century was that century which lasted from 1901–2000 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar (1900–1999... Federal courts Supreme Court Circuit Courts of Appeal District Courts Elections Presidential elections Midterm elections Political Parties Democratic Republican Third parties State & Local government Governors Legislatures (List) State Courts Local Government Other countries Atlas US Government Portal A U.S. state is any one of the fifty subnational entities of... Wild, in zoology or botany, is a rough if problematic antonym to domesticated: see wildlife. ...

Temperament

Skunks are sensitive, intelligent animals,^[3] and like all intelligent animals, temperament varies for each animal. Skunks tend to be highly curious. Skunks will open cupboards that are left unlocked. Skunks also tend to be very friendly, loving, entertaining and playful. However, they can also be stubborn and headstrong. Some owners have noticed skunks smelling something that was spilled on the carpet long ago, and attempting to dig to find out what is buried there. Like ferrets, their curiosity can lead them into danger, especially if they crawl inside reclining chairs or other machinery.^[4] Due to the complexity of their care, and the negative image of skunks as foul-smelling rodents, many people will not keep a skunk as a pet. For other uses, see Intelligence (disambiguation). ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... This article is about the mammal. ... A recliner A recliner is an armchair that reclines when the sitter lowers the chairs back and raises its front. ...

Skunk care

Handling skunks

A new skunk will be rather disoriented after arriving in a new home. It should be held and cuddled as much as possible, so that it will grow into a friendly, affectionate pet. Skunks that are not touched much as babies tend to become shy and retreat from humans.^[5] Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 533 pixelsFull resolution (3070 Ã— 2046 pixel, file size: 1. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 Ã— 533 pixelsFull resolution (3070 Ã— 2046 pixel, file size: 1. ...

In particular, it is important to touch, rub, and play with their feet and toes to get them used to humans touching their feet. This will make it easier to trim their claws later.^[6] This is also the time to start hand-feeding the skunk so that he will learn to avoid biting fingers at treat time.

One of the most charming modes of play with a baby pet skunk is to get on one's hands and knees, and playfully tap the floor with the fingers of one hand, while moving the hand toward the skunk. They quickly get the idea, and will respond with a sort of cat-like rearing up and coming down on their front feet in a playfully threatening way. The amusing thing about baby skunks, however, is as they make their move, they will be looking you straight in the eyes with their two black eyes, while aiming, with tail raised high, their potent "weapon" directly at your eyes simultaneously.

It is better to avoid playing rough with baby skunks, or they may become aggressive as they get older. Bare hands can be used for loving and cuddling the skunk, but a stuffed toy or hand puppet should be used when playing with them due to their sharp teeth and extremely long fangs.^[8]

Spanking or hitting a skunk is not recommended, since it will cause him to become vengeful. Discipline should be in the tone and volume of voice. A squirt from a spray bottle may be helpful.^[9]

Housebreaking

Most skunks can be housebroken by corner training. After they choose a corner, a litter pan with unscented litter can be placed there. If the skunk misses the litter pan, after cleanup, the area should be saturated with plain white vinegar to remove the scent, so that they will not return to that spot. After the skunk's bathroom has been established, it can be moved about four inches a day to a different location. The skunk may or may not follow. If he doesn't, it may be necessary to give in, let the skunk have that corner, and block the view with a chair or bookcase placed in the corner or some other decorative idea.^[10] Housebreaking is the process of training a domesticated animal that lives with its human owners in a house to eliminate (urinate and defecate) outdoors, or in a designated indoor area, rather than inside the house. ... Vinegar is sometimes infused with spices or herbsâ€”as here, with oregano. ...

For covered cat litter boxes, it will probably be necessary to cut a larger opening for the skunk.^[11] With any litter pan, bear in mind that regular cleaning is necessary since skunks will avoid a dirty bathroom. A litter box and a package of filler A litter box, sometimes called a sandbox, sand box, litter tray, litter pan, catbox, or cat box is an indoor feces and urine disposal box for cats (as well as rabbits and other pets that naturally or through training will make use...

Some owners have reported that their skunk could not be corner-trained or taught to use a litter box, according to Skunk Haven's Deborah Cipriani.^[12]

Letting skunks outside by themselves is risky since, like ferrets, they lack a homing instinct and can easily get lost.^[13] Descented skunks lack their most powerful defense against predators such as coyotes and foxes. Their nearsightedness also makes them susceptible to becoming roadkill. For other uses, see Coyote (disambiguation). ... This article is about the animal. ... Normal vision for a achromatopsic colour-blind person. ... For the professional wrestler known as Roadkill, see Michael Depoli, for the movie marketed as Roadkill in the UK and Australia, see Joy Ride. ...

Diet

Skunks need a wider variety of food than most pets. They tend to have a voracious appetite, making obesity a common problem.^[14] It is important not to overfeed them. Some types of food, such as chocolate, are known to be harmful to almost all animals. The appetite is the desire to eat food, felt as hunger. ... For other uses, see Chocolate (disambiguation). ...

The topic of what to feed skunks is very controversial, according to Owners of Pet Skunks.^[15] Mary Kaye Ashley's book, A Comprehensive Guide to Raising a Pet Skunk, recommends a ratio of 50 percent vegetables, 40 percent Skunkie Delight, and 10 percent other whole foods. Skunkie Delight is a blend of a cooked grain (millet, oats, barley, or brown rice), raw ground turkey, eggs, vegetable oil, and a variety of vitamin and mineral powders.^[16] Since it is not available commercially, the owner has to mix it. An egg is a body consisting of an ovum surrounded by layers of membranes and an outer casing of some type, which acts to nourish and protect a developing embryo. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with cooking oil. ...

Jane Bone's Skunk Stuff describes a diet of vegetables, fruits, dairy, yogurt, vitamins and minerals, fiber, carbohydrates, and eggs.^[17] Skunk Haven disagrees with this diet, and recommends their own sample diet.^[18] Skunk expert Mary Kaye Ashley, as well as the American Domestic Skunk Association, Inc. also disagree with this diet. A dairy farm near Oxford, New York in the United States. ... Yoghurt Yoghurt or yogurt, less commonly yoghourt or yogourt, is a dairy product produced by bacterial fermentation of milk. ... Lactose is a disaccharide found in milk. ...

Eugie and Matthew Foster have tried a lacto-ovum vegetarian diet with good results, with rice and beans with yogurt, cottage cheese, the occasional boiled egg, and unsalted peanuts for protein needs, and including nutritional yeast, cold-pressed safflower oil, and various vitamin supplements (including taurine and D-3) in addition to vegetables and fruit.^[19] Feijoada is served along with rice and other typical items of Brazilian cuisine Rice and beans (feijÃ£o com arroz, in Portuguese) is a very popular dish in Brazil and the Caribbean. ... Nutritional yeast, similar to brewers yeast, is a nutritional supplement popular with vegans and the health conscious who use it as an ingredient in recipes or simply as a condiment. ...

Lynnda Butler, president of Florida Skunks as Pets, believes a small amount of sugar can be beneficial for skunks and recommends an eighth of a graham cracker or vanilla wafer a day. Others (e.g. Skunk Haven) eschew feeding skunks processed sugar altogether, citing the risk of diabetes. Skunk expert Mary Kaye Ashley, as well as the American Domestic Skunk Association, also strongly disagree with the feeding of any form of processed sugar products. Per Ms. Ashley, natural sugars (such as a small amount of fruit) can be included in the diet several times a week provided that the skunk does not suffer from hypoglycemia or diabetes. The choice of diet is ultimately up to the skunk owner. This article is about the disease that features high blood sugar. ... Hypoglycemia (hypoglycaemia in British English) is a medical term referring to a pathologic state produced by a lower than normal level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. ...

Skunks generally do not drink a great deal of water, but clean water should always be available.

Veterinary care

Baby skunks from the pet store generally have not had any medical treatment other than scent gland removal, and will require spaying or neutering, shots, and worming. They will need to be tested for coccidia and other protozoa as well as parasites. Skunks also need to have regular yearly checkups. Dr. Frank Krupka and Skunk Haven have developed a blood panel to show if supplements or changes in diet are needed, and recommend a blood panel as part of a yearly check up.^[20] Spaying and neutering are the respective surgical processes of female and male animal sterilization, to keep them from producing offspring. ... Coccidia are microscopic, single-celled parasites that infect the intestine. ... Wikisource has an original article from the 1911 EncyclopÃ¦dia Britannica about: Protozoa Protozoa (in Greek proto = first and zoa = animals) are single-celled eukaryotes (organisms whose cells have nuclei) that commonly show characteristics usually associated with animals, most notably mobility and heterotrophy. ... A full blood count (FBC) or complete blood count (CBC) is a test requested by a doctor or other medical professional that gives information about the cells in a patients blood. ...

Veterinary understanding of skunks is rather limited, since scientists have not conducted as much research on skunks as they have on more common pets. Skunks do not always respond to medicines the same way as cats or dogs. As a result, there is considerable disagreement about how best to treat them. Some veterinarians say they are in the hamster family and treat them as such. However, Hamsters are from the Rodent family while Skunks are in their own family the Mephitidae which is unrelated. Genera Mesocricetus Phodopus Cricetus Cricetulus Allocricetulus Cansumys Tscherskia Hamsters are rodents belonging to the subfamily Cricetinae. ... Suborders Sciuromorpha Castorimorpha Myomorpha Anomaluromorpha Hystricomorpha Rodentia is an order of mammals also known as rodents. ... Genera Mephitis Spilogale Conepatus The skunks or Mephitidae are a family of medium-sized mammals, typically black-and-white-furred, belonging to the order Carnivora. ...

There are several different pet skunk organizations giving out conflicting advice on skunk care. Particularly in the medical realm, it is wise to consult multiple sources rather than rely on any one source of information from the Internet.

Spaying/neutering: Males should be neutered between 3 and 4 months of age. Females should be spayed between 4 and 6 months of age. Castration (also referred as: gelding, neutering, orchiectomy, orchidectomy, and oophorectomy) is any action, surgical, chemical, or otherwise, by which a male loses the functions of the testes or a female loses the functions of the ovaries. ... Oophorectomy is the surgical removal of the ovaries of a female animal. ...

Vaccinations: Most skunk organizations recommend Galaxy DA2PPvL+Cv and Eclipse 4 given as a baby and then a yearly booster.^[21] Some veterinarians do not recommend giving skunks even these common shots, since they were developed for dogs and cats.

Declawing: Skunks should not be declawed, since they use their claws to handle food. Instead, their claws should be trimmed occasionally. Skunks have "digging" claws like dogs, as opposed to "ripping" claws like cats.

Roundworms: Many skunks have died from roundworms. Baylisascaris columnaris is the species that infests skunks most commonly. Baylisascaris eggs can remain viable in the environment for many years, despite hot or freezing weather or certain harsh chemicals. Classes Adenophorea Subclass Enoplia Subclass Chromadoria Secernentea Subclass Rhabditia Subclass Spiruria Subclass Diplogasteria The roundworms or nematodes (Phylum Nematoda from Gr. ... Baylisascaris is a genus of roundworms that infest more than fifty animal species. ...

Skunks can be infested with roundworms for several weeks before eggs begin to be shed in feces. It is common for new skunks to have roundworms, which may be too early in development to be detected by fecal tests. Skunk experts agree that all new skunks need to be treated for roundworms, and that more than one treatment is needed. Diagnostic Parasitologist Matt Bolek recommends that "A deworming program should probably start at 7-8 weeks of age and deworm biweekly for 3-4 treatments".^[22] Horse feces Feces, faeces, or fÃ¦ces (see spelling differences) is a waste product from an animals digestive tract expelled through the anus (or cloaca) during defecation. ...

The frequency with which adults need to be treated for roundworms is controversial:

The consensus is that Evict or Nemex 2 are good over-the-counter wormers for skunks. A veterinarian may have more powerful wormers. Safe, natural alternatives include seeds from cantaloupe, fig juice or cloves, according to Jane Bone. Over-the-counter substances, also abbreviated OTC, are drugs and other medical remedies that may be sold without a prescription and without a visit to a medical professional, in contrast to prescription only medicines (POM). ...

General considerations

Overall, caring for skunks is more complicated and challenging than raising other pets. The difficulty in finding a veterinarian with experience treating skunks, the conflicting advice offered by different pet skunk organizations, and the scarcity of scientific knowledge about skunk physiology make it necessary for many skunk owners to fend for themselves. In addition, some skunks - especially those that were mistreated - may bite, refuse to use a litter box, or exhibit other negative behaviors, according to Jane Bone and Skunk Haven.

According to James Furniss, a good skunk owner needs to be a do-it-yourselfer and willing to put in a lot of effort. There are, however, relocation options if a pet skunk does not work out, including skunk shelters.^[26]

Rabies

Skunks and other mammals can contract rabies by being bitten by an infected animal or eating the carcass of an infected animal. Although it is quite rare for domesticated skunks to get rabies, there have been many unfortunate cases in which an uninfected pet skunk bit a person, and then was euthanized by animal control personnel so that its brain cells could be tested for rabies. Euthanasia (Greek, good death) is the practice of killing a person or animal, in a painless or minimally painful way, for merciful reasons, usually to end their suffering. ...

In the United States, there is no government-approved rabies vaccine or quarantine period for skunks. In Canada, Imrab 3 is approved for off-label use as a skunk rabies vaccine.^[27] If a skunk nips or bites, and the owner can produce proof of vaccination, a 2-week quarantine is required, according to Vivianne Chernoff of Skunks as Pets Canada.^[28] Imrab is the brand name for a veterinary rabies vaccine containing the Pasteur strain of killed rabies virus. ...

Many countries, such as Japan, require all newly imported skunks to be quarantined.^[29] The Guardian recently reported that the UK lacks quarantine kennels licensed to hold skunks.^[30]

Legality

Canadian pet skunks must be purchased from a USDA-certified breeder in the United States. An import permit is required from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to bring the skunk into the country. The skunk must be spayed or neutered, and receive a microchip implant or tattoo. A vet check fee must also be paid. Black-and-white skunks are illegal in Canada. Pet skunks kept for any reason are banned in the Canadian province of Ontario, as of 1999. A brief attempt to lobby the provincial government to allow for captive-bred skunks to be excluded from the regulation, which pertained to wildlife native to Ontario being kept in captivity, was unsuccessful. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, also called the Agriculture Department, or USDA, is a Cabinet department of the United States Federal Government. ... The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, or CFIA, which was created in April 1997, brought together inspection and related services previously provided through the activities of four federal government departments â€“ Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Health Canada and Industry Canada. ... A microchip is an identifying integrated circuit placed under the skin of a dog, cat, or other animal. ... For other uses, see Tattoo (disambiguation). ... Motto: Ut Incepit Fidelis Sic Permanet (Latin: Loyal she began, loyal she remains) Capital Toronto Largest city Toronto Official languages English (de facto) Government - Lieutenant-Governor David C. Onley - Premier Dalton McGuinty (Liberal) Federal representation in Canadian Parliament - House seats 106 - Senate seats 24 Confederation July 1, 1867 (1st) Area...

Inside the European Union, purchasing or transferring skunks between countries is not regulated in any way.^{[citation needed]} Skunks also carry no contagious diseases, which would mandate quarantining them or requiring pet passports or vet certifications. Importing skunks from outside the EU area might not be allowed; laws differ from country to country. This article does not cite any references or sources. ... On October 1, 2001, EU and other countries introduced the option for domestic animal owners to apply for Pet passports, PETS for short, but also known as Pets Travel Scheme for pets returning from abroad to the United Kingdom. ...

American laws on skunk ownership vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Some states, such as Georgia, will allow only certain colors (no black-and-whites). The reasoning is that black-and-white skunks too closely resemble wild skunks. Banning black-and-whites reduces the chance that people will steal skunks from the wild and pass them off as pen-bred skunks.

American skunk dealers earning more than $500 a year on the skunk trade are regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS), which has established three classes of licensed skunk dealers.^[31] A class A license allows one to breed skunks; a class B license allows one to sell skunks; and a class C license allows one to display them to the public. â€œUSDAâ€ redirects here. ... Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is an operating unit of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). ...

Skunk regulations can change from time to time, so prospective skunk owners may want to check with the Fish and Game Commission or Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in their state. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources can refer to agencies of various governments: Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Victorian Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (1992-1996) Category: ...

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Official language(s) No official language See languages of Texas Capital Austin Largest city Houston Largest metro area Dallasâ€“Fort Worthâ€“Arlington Area Ranked 2nd - Total 261,797 sq mi (678,051 kmÂ²) - Width 773 miles (1,244 km) - Length 790 miles (1,270 km) - % water 2. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ... Official language(s) None Capital Montpelier Largest city Burlington Area Ranked 45th - Total 9,620 sq mi (24,923 kmÂ²) - Width 80 miles (130 km) - Length 160 miles (260 km) - % water 3. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ... For the capital city of the United States, see Washington, D.C.. For other uses, see Washington (disambiguation). ... Official language(s) English Capital Charleston Largest city Charleston Area Ranked 41st - Total 24,244 sq mi (62,809 kmÂ²) - Width 130 miles (210 km) - Length 240 miles (385 km) - % water 0. ... Official language(s) None Capital Madison Largest city Milwaukee Area Ranked 23rd - Total 65,498 sq mi (169,790 kmÂ²) - Width 260 miles (420 km) - Length 310 miles (500 km) - % water 17 - Latitude 42Â° 30â€² N to 47Â° 05â€² N - Longitude 86Â° 46â€² W to 92Â° 53â€² W Population Ranked... Official language(s) English Capital Cheyenne Largest city Cheyenne Area Ranked 10th - Total 97,818 sq mi (253,348 kmÂ²) - Width 280 miles (450 km) - Length 360 miles (580 km) - % water 0. ... For other uses, see Washington, D.C. (disambiguation). ...

Politics

Several activists are seeking legalization of pet skunks in the jurisdictions where they are currently banned. Their activities have included supporting bills and testifying before legislative panels.

In 2001, Del. George W. Owings III introduced a bill in the Maryland legislature to legalize pet skunks in that state.^[53] Several officials spoke in opposition to the measure before the Environmental Matters committee. Mike Slattery, testifying on behalf of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, criticized the idea, saying it would encourage "Bambi syndrome", the tendency to domesticate wild animals. State health officials pointed out that the bill, HB 91, required rabies vaccinations when there is no federally approved rabies vaccine for skunks.^[54] Thumper with Bambi (right) Bambi, based on the 1923 book Bambi, A Life in the Woods by Felix Salten, is a Disney cartoon movie that debuted on August 13, 1942. ...

Rabies has, in fact, been a key issue in skunk-related legislative debates. Since wild skunks account for the second-largest number of rabies cases in wildlife in the US, many legislators have been reluctant to allow domestic skunks without an appropriate vaccine on the market. In addition to the problems at the state level, federal organizations set the policy for dealing with accidental skunk bites, which currently requires euthanizing the animal so rabies tests can be performed. This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

In February 1990, a rabies vaccine called Imrab 3 was approved for ferrets.^[55] Many skunk advocates believe the vaccine would also be effective for skunks, and are pushing to have it tested for this use. They also favor clinical tests to determine the appropriate quarantine/observation period in case of a skunk bite. This would provide a way to test skunks without the need for euthanasia. According to Aspen Skunk Rabies Research, part of the reason this research hasn't been done yet is the high cost of these clinical trials, which would be difficult for drug companies to recoup.^[56] Imrab is the brand name for a veterinary rabies vaccine containing the Pasteur strain of killed rabies virus. ... This article is about the mammal. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... In health care, including medicine, a clinical trial (synonyms: clinical studies, research protocols, medical research) is a process in which a medicine or other medical treatment is tested for its safety and effectiveness, often in comparison to existing treatments. ...

In the early 2000s, People for Domestic Skunks gathered more than 4,000 signatures for its Nationwide Domestic Skunk Petition.^[57] According to Aspen Skunk Rabies Research, Inc., the effectiveness of petitions is limited by the fact that many important decisions are made by national organizations.^[58] The National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians' annual Rabies Compendium sets the procedures for what to do if a skunk bites someone. The National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, or NASPHV, is a U.S. organization whose purpose is to draft uniform public health procedures involving animal-borne disease. ...

In Canada, Mike Freeman of Freeman's Exotic Skunks was ordered in 1999 by Natural Resources Canada to destroy his entire stock of 100 adult and 700 baby skunks. Although the agency had approved his farm in 1997, the 1998 Fish and Wildlife Act outlawed breeding. NRC Minister John Snobelen ultimately gave him six months to sell or give away the animals in the U.S., saying, "No one wants to see these animals euthanized and that won't have to happen".^[59] Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is a department of the government of Canada responsible for natural resources, energy, minerals and metals, forests, earth sciences, mapping and remote sensing. ...

Skunks as Pets Canada leader Vivianne Chernoff and other activists subsequently persuaded the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to legalize importation of pen-bred skunks.^{[citation needed]} Although NRC does not recognize the CFIA laws, the CFIA assured Chernoff that NRC cannot confiscate a micro-chipped skunk whose legality is documented with import papers and a health certificate. In 2004, Canadian activists were working on having a tear duct rabies test legalized for skunks.^[60] The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, or CFIA, which was created in April 1997, brought together inspection and related services previously provided through the activities of four federal government departments â€“ Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Health Canada and Industry Canada. ...

In the United Kingdom, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons recommended in 1987 that elective skunk scent gland removal be classified as an unacceptable procedure:^[61] The discharge of anal sac contents as a result of fear or other stress is normal, and the removal of normally functioning sacs is not an acceptable procedure. Infection or other pathological conditions can result in recurring or chronic discharge or in fistula and sinus formation. Removal in such circumstances is an acceptable therapeutic measure. Anal sacs are sometimes removed from animals such as the skunk and fox in order to make them more acceptable as domestic animals. The Working Party does not accept that this is an ethical procedure and considers that anal sacs should not be removed for other than therapeutic reasons. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons is the regulatory body for veterinary surgeons in the United Kingdom. ...

Organizations

Pet skunk organizations can be a source of useful advice for skunk owners. Some organizations also hold annual skunk shows. Prizes are awarded in categories such as Prettiest Tail, Friendliest, Most Talented, etc.

The American Domestic Skunk Association provides the following services to all skunk owners, prospective owners, and interested parties:^[62]

Owners of Pet Skunks is a non-profit organization whose mission is to better the lives of captive-bred skunks. OOPS has an annual picnic and publishes a quarterly newsletter containing informative articles about skunks, human interest stories, puzzles, information on skunk related laws, and regional and national events.^[63]

Skunk Haven Skunk Rescue, Shelter, and Education, Inc. is based in Ohio and provides the following services:

Skunks as Pets has chapters in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, North Dakota, Mississippi, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Canada, and Germany.^[67]

References

^ http://www.accs.net/users/whyden/skunkfaq.htm
^ http://www.vintagefashionguild.org/furs/skunk.html
^ http://www.accs.net/users/whyden/skunkpet.htm
^ http://www.skunksaspets.com/skunkstuff.htm#WARNINGS
^ http://www.skunksaspets.com/skunkstuff.htm#new_arr
^ http://www.skunksaspets.com/skunkstuff.htm#FEET_MOUTHS
^ http://www.skunksaspets.com/skunkstuff.htm
^ http://www.skunksaspets.com/skunkstuff.htm#HANDLING_BABY
^ http://www.skunksaspets.com/skunkstuff.htm#SPANKING
^ http://www.skunksaspets.com/skunkstuff.htm#POTTY_TRAINING
^ http://www.skunkhaven.net/PetSkunks.htm
^ http://www.skunkhaven.net
^ http://www.centralpets.com/pages/critterpages/mammals/ferrets/FER4720.shtml
^ http://members.aol.com/oddpet/chapterskunk.html
^ http://www.skunk-info.org/petcare/petcare.htm
^ http://hometown.aol.com/goldeniris/page5delight.html
^ http://www.skunksaspets.com/skunkstuff.htm#DAILY_DIET
^ http://www.skunkhaven.net/DietNutrition.htm
^ http://home.comcast.net/~mustalayday/skunk_faq.htm
^ http://www.skunkhaven.net/VetCare.htm
^ http://www.skunksaspets.com/skunkstuff.htm
^ http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~royerc/interest.htm
^ http://www.skunkhaven.net/NewSkunk.htm
^ http://www.skunk-info.org/petcare/petcare.htm
^ http://www.skunksaspets.com/skunkstuff.htm#ROUNDWORMS
^ http://www.skunkhaven.net
^ http://www.aspenskunk.org/canadastudy.htm
^ http://www.skunksaspetscanada.cjb.net/
^ http://www5.cao.go.jp/otodb/english/houseido/image/01040-1.pdf
^ http://www.captiveanimals.org/news/2003/disease.htm
^ http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/pubs/awlicreg.html
^ Game and Fish Commission Code
^ Health Requirements Governing the Admission of Animals
^ Dept. of Natural Resources Laws Related to Native Wildlife
^ Statute 25-236
^ Administrative Regulations 301 2:081(6)(2)(g)
^ Maryland Code
^ Statute 145.365
^ Wildlife Code 3 CSR 10-9
^ Montana code 50-23-101 and 50-23-102
^ Statute 37-477(2)
^ Health Requirements Governing the Admission of Animals
^ Health Requirements Governing the Admission of Animals
^ Administrative Code 7.4.2.12
^ Administrative Code 52B.0212(a)(1)
^ State Board of Animal Health Animal Importation Requirements
^ Code of Laws Title 47 Chapter 5 and Title 50 Chapter 16 Section 50-16-20
^ Tennessee Code 10-101(18) and 10-108(2)
^ Virginia Administrative Code 4 15-20-50 and 4 15-30-10. See Legality of pet skunks in Virginia
^ Administrative Code 246-100-191(1)(b)(ii)
^ Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 169 and Dept. of Natural Resurces Chapter NR 16
^ Statute 23-1-101
^ http://www.journalism.umd.edu/cns/wire/2001-editions/01-January-editions/010123-Tuesday/PolecatPets_CNS-UMCP.html
^ http://www.dbm.state.md.us/SearchUtility/IndDetails.asp?EmpID=10639&OID=1881]
^ http://www.animalforum.com/wferrethist.htm
^ http://www.aspenskunk.org
^ http://www.domesticskunks.com/petition.htm
^ http://www.aspenskunk.org/faqs.htm
^ http://www.rdwarf.com/pipermail/skunks/1999-May/018228.html
^ http://www.skunksaspetscanada.cjb.net/
^ http://www.rcvs.org.uk/Templates/PreviousNext.asp?NodeID=89772
^ http://www.skunks.org/
^ http://www.skunk-info.org/
^ http://www.skunkhaven.net/VetCare.htm
^ http://www.skunkhaven.net/StatesForm.htm
^ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SkunkInfo/
^ http://www.skunksaspets.com/skunkstuff.htm#CALL_LIST

Delegate Harry Parrishs 2005 letter to a constituent laid out the process for changing pet skunks legal status in Virginia. ...

External links

General information

News articles

Categories: All articles with unsourced statements | Articles with unsourced statements since February 2007 | Wikipedia external links cleanup | Animals kept as pets | Skunks is the 118th day of the year (119th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the year. ... is the 23rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2001 (MMI) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 2001 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 224th day of the year (225th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

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