JSPCA
PRESS RELEASE
July
2003
RESCUED
YOUNG POLECATS IN NEED OF HOMES
Three
polecat (ferret) kits were handed into the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter two
weeks ago after their mother was unfortunately killed during a fight with a
cat, but the kits are now recuperating well.
The
ferret, Mustela putorius, belongs to the Mustelidae family and is
closely related to the mink, weasels, stoats, skunks and otters.
Throughout history the ferret has been kept for many purposes, such
as the control of rabbit and rat populations.
However, today, ferrets are being increasingly kept as pets in
Europe and North America.
Ferrets
are sociable animals but need to be kept in housing that is well built,
since ferrets are good at escaping. Young
ferrets respond well to frequent handling and soon become friendly,
although they can be unpredictable and young children should be supervised
when handling ferrets.
The
rescued polecats that are presently being looked after by the JSPCA are two
males (hobs) and one female (jill), all of which are very playful and
inquisitive. They are
friendly, enjoy being handled and are currently being litter trained.
They will be microchipped (for identification purposes) and
appropriately neutered when they are of a suitable age.
For
further details about these young ferrets, or for information about ferret
husbandry in general, please contact the Jersey Society for the Prevention
of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA) at 89 St Saviour’s Road, St Helier, Jersey,
JE2 4GJ, Tel: 01534 724331.
ENDS