CBS NEWS "LEGALIZE FERRETS IN CALIFORNIA"

Wrestler Takes On Gov. Schwarzenegger Over Ferrets
(CBS13) SACRAMENTO
California is one of two states where you cannot own, buy or sell a ferret. And each year Californians try to change the law.

This year, as CBS13's Dennis Shanahan reports, there is a new 'famous' face fighting for ferrets. His name is 'Leatherface'. He's an actor, wrestler, and producer living in Sacramento.

And now he's bringing national notoriety to the plight of the ferret here in California.

"They're very calm. They're playful," Leatherface explained to CBS13, "They're very loving."

The Sacramento man gently holding these furry ferrets is familiar to viewers of the MTV hit show "Viva la Bam" as a black-mask wearing wrestler named 'Leatherface." A character who is anything but loving and gentle.

But he loves ferrets. And he's using his fame to bring high profile attention to the ongoing plight of these creatures in California.

On his internet show, called "Off The Hook TV", Leatherface just launched a new episode hoping to raise awareness and get Governor Schwarzenegger's attention.

"The state of California does not consider the ferret a domestic animal, and the Fish and Game Commission says they are not normally domesticated in this state, and therefore a hazard to public health, agriculture, and the environment," says the narrator on the "Off The Hook TV" ferret episode.

Leatherface is then seen with his two ferrets and addressing Gov. Schwarzenegger says "Are these a threat to the environment? No. These aren't a threat. You're a threat to the environment 'cuz you're ignoring the people."

Governor Schwarzenegger acted with ferrets in the movie, "Kindergarten Cop."

But as governor, he has refused efforts to legalize the animals in the Golden State.

But he's never been face to face with Leatherface, something the wrestler is hoping to change.

"Yeah, we're thinkin' about doin' a rally there on the governor's front porch, right on the Capitol lawn," said Leatherface, 'Get off my lawn,' hopefully won't be the response we get."

The governor had a bill on his desk in 2004 that would have legalized ferrets.

He vetoed it, saying at the time that he loves the animals, but he wants there to be more study about their impact on the environment.

(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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PERSONAL MESSAGE TO ARNOLD OR HIS STAFF!

Here is all we ask of you!

I know you just cannot drop your pen and legalize ferrets, but I know you can proceed with a new study on ferrets right away to relieve us of that false and questionable study done MANY years ago, keeping my ferrets illegal today. And I ask until that study is complete that our local domesticated ferrets be granted temporary amnesty until the new report is developed.

I ask of you to go public and address California ferret owners in which whom have been waiting to hear from you for many years.

Please! Your my childhood hero! and I want to keep you that way for the rest of my life!

Help the ferrets Arnold!


Thanks,

Respectfully yours
Leatherface