Marshall Farms
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Animal breeding, Pet supplies |
| Founded | 1939 |
| Founder | Gilman Marshall |
| Headquarters | North Rose , United States |
Area served | United States, Canada, Japan |
| Products | Dogs, ferrets, ferret and rabbit supplies (food, toys, accessories) |
| Website | www |
Marshall Farms, located in North Rose, New York, operates as a commercial breeder specializing in dogs and ferrets, catering to both the pet industry and scientific research sectors. Established in 1993, its subsidiary, Marshall Pet Products, provides various ferret and rabbit supplies, including food, toys, and accessories.
The company was founded in 1939 by Gilman Marshall and has grown to become the leading ferret breeder within the United States. Its ferret stock is distributed extensively throughout pet retailers in the United States, Canada, and increasingly in Japan. Beyond the pet trade, these ferrets serve a significant role in biomedical research facilities, contributing to studies on viral and parasitic infections, cardiovascular health, behavioral science, and reproductive endocrinology.
Typically, ferrets sold by Marshall bear two small tattoo dots on their right ear: a single dot signifies that the animal has been spayed or neutered, while two dots indicate the removal of anal scent glands.
Animal welfare organizations such as PETA have criticized the company for breeding animals intended for scientific experimentation. In 2001, an Animal Liberation Front raid resulted in the confiscation of 10 ferrets and 30 beagles from Marshall’s premises. These events have influenced the company's public image among prospective ferret purchasers.
Encounters with S.H.A.R.K
In November 2016, activists from S.H.A.R.K. (Showing Animals Respect and Kindness) operated a drone over the Marshall Farms property. After being pursued by security personnel, they were intercepted by New York State Police. Video evidence reveals officers declined to issue any citations for legal infractions but persuaded the drone operator to provide identification despite lacking legal grounds. Two members were detained for refusal to identify themselves but were subsequently released without charges. The organization pursued a civil rights lawsuit that concluded with an out-of-court settlement on October 12, 2023, awarding $100,000 collectively from the Wayne County Sheriffs Office and New York State.