Rutherglen Reformer

Cheeky ferrets looking for love

- NICOLA FINDLAY

The Scottish SPCA is appealing to the public to find homes for overlooked ferrets in their care after an influx of the animals at their centres.

The charity’s Lanarkshir­e animal rescue and rehoming centre in Hamilton has cared for 27 ferrets in 2022 alone.

They are currently caring for over 60 of the animals across their nine animal rescue and rehoming centres.

Scottish SPCA deputy head of field operations, Graeme Innes, said: “We are caring for more ferrets than usual across all our centres.

“Sadly, these animals are consistent­ly overlooked for rehoming and tend to stay in our care for a long time. It’s a shame as they can make fantastic pets in the right homes.

“We’re not sure what’s driving the increase in ferrets coming in to our care. It could be that people didn’t want them any more when the reality of owning one set in. Although they are great for adult homes, or homes with older teenagers, they’re not really suitable as children’s pets as they can nip.

“They also need a lot of enrichment and exercise as they’re highly social, intelligen­t creatures who love interactin­g with their owners. They shouldn’t just be left in a cage and forgotten about.

“However, if you’re willing to put the time and effort in to caring for them they can be incredibly rewarding animals to own.

“They’re very inquisitiv­e and cheeky and will definitely bring a lot of fun in to their new owners ’lives.”

The charity’s centre receptions are open from 1pm until 4pm daily and you can pop in with any questions you might have about adopting one of these animals.

All the ferrets that the Scottish SPCA currently have for rehoming can be viewed and applied for on the charity’s website.

 ?? ?? Forever home The SSPCA has a number of ferrets looking for new families
Forever home The SSPCA has a number of ferrets looking for new families

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