1,000-mile trip to save ferrets

Some of the ferrets were crammed into cages

A group of ferret enthusiasts are to make a 1,000-mile round trip to save ferrets found in "vile conditions" in County Antrim earlier this month.

Dawn Bradfield of Swindon planned the trip after she was told by a friend in Belfast that the animals had been found in squalor in a cottage near Larne.

The ferret fans will take the car ferry across and bring them home, as soon as the animals are fit enough to travel.

They hope to nurse the ferrets back to health and find good homes for them.

The animals recovered by the Ulster Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals included rats, mice, gerbils, dogs and about 150 ferrets.

As many as 12 ferrets were being kept in single cages at the house.

OPERATION FERRET Swindon to Pembroke Dock: 165 miles (two hours, 51 minute drive) Pembroke to Rosslare ferry crossing: three hours and 45 minutes Rosslare to Larne 229 miles (five hour drive)

Mrs Bradfield, who is a member of the Hants and Berks Ferret Club, says she was shocked when she heard about the conditions the animals had been found in.

While the other animals can be rehabilitated locally, she says there is no ferret welfare centre in Northern Ireland.

"We're going to sail from Pembroke Dock to Rosslare and drive up to get the ferrets," says Mrs Bradfield.

She says some of the neglected ferrets will be too sick to make the journey to England and may have to be put down.

The club is appealing for a vet either from England or Northern Ireland willing to accompany them to make sure they stay healthy. They also want people to donate old fleeces which they can use as bedding for the ferrets.

Mrs Bradfield has also contacted Irish Ferries to explain their plight and the ferry company donated free crossings to the cause.

Mrs Bradfield says ferrets are lovable and make great pets

They will make the journey in an old post office van and a 4X4 vehicle, and things could get somewhat smelly on the way back.

But Mrs Bradfield insists ferrets are lovable creatures who are worth the gruelling trip.

"Keeping ferrets doesn't seem to be a popular hobby in Northern Ireland, but it's great - they're like a cross between a dog and a cat," she says.

"I already have four ferrets at home, and I'll probably take in another four, but they'll need a lot of care as they haven't been looked after properly."

Anyone who can help the rescue mission can contact the Hants and Berks Ferret Club through their website, www.hbferretclub.co.uk.