It's a Ferret Life

Family's fab ferrets

	CUDDLY ... Erin and Alana Mansfield, aged and 11, with their pet ferrets Rascal and Tiny

13 October 2008
Scarborough Evening News
By Martin Herron

FERRET fans find their furry friends fantastic! Sales of ferrets as pets are booming, according to a Scarborough pet store owner.
"We're selling about double the number we did a few years ago," said Sue White, of Falsgrave Pet Stores. "These days we've orders before they arrive in the shop. Nearly everyone who buys one says they want them as a pet and don't intend to work them."

Keeping ferrets as pets is a relatively new phenomenon. Previously most of those kept in the UK were working animals used for hunting.

One ferret fancier has told how happy she is with her pets Rascal and Tiny.

Ferret olympics is thirsty work

	Ferret breeder Mark Phillips (left) with co-organiser Robert Taylor.

A SCORE of frisky ferrets proved their sporting prowess at a Herefordshire event with extra bite.

Despite their reputations, the small animals, which are often used to hunt rabbits, make popular pets.

And their lean build and inquisitive nature makes them ideal for racing down small enclosed areas.

These qualities were demonstrated at the fifth Cross Keys annual ferret show and racing event on Sunday in front of more than 60 visitors.

 “We held three little events, mainly for the kids and for people to come and watch and have a bit of fun,” said Mark Phillips, co-organiser with Robert Taylor.

Man killed teen’s pet ferret

Sep 27 2008
Our Correspondent, South Wales Echo
Wales Online

A MAN high on drink and drugs killed a ferret when he stamped on it repeatedly, a court has heard.

Lee David Glenn, 23, was jailed for three months after admitting causing unnecessary suffering to the animal called Sox which had escaped from the home of its teenage owner in Tonypandy.

And Rhondda magistrates’ court also heard the defendant apologised after the incident and promised the ferret’s 13-year-old owner that he would buy him a new one.

All eyes on fancy ferrets

FROCKED-up ferrets and calves in costume will be hitting the catwalk today for fancy dress Friday at the Royal Melbourne Show.

Dressed to impress and all dolled up, the pet prima donnas will turn on the charm -- and even temper tantrums - as they strut their stuff for showgoers.

At a dress rehearsal for the Herald Sun yesterday the ferrets showed off their latest wardrobe additions, before turning a tad temperamental.