Abandoned trio of ferrets searching for forever homes

Athena, Aphrodite, and Artemis were found underweight in a cage strewn with faeces in an alleyway in Stevenage at the end of September after being spotted by a member of the public who contacted the RSPCA. 

The cage they were confined to did not have any toys or props, which ferrets typically need for enrichment. 

Aphrodite the ferret (Image: RSPCA Suffolk Central)RSPCA animal rescue officer Nick Jonas picked the ferrets up and transported them to the RSPCA Martlesham Animal Centre, which is run by the RSPCA Suffolk Central Branch.

"There was no CCTV in the area and although I put up a notice on a lamppost at the location to see if I could get some information about how these poor ferrets were left in such poor circumstances, sadly no one has got in touch," said Mr Jonas. 

Artemis the ferret (Image: RSPCA Suffolk Central)RSPCA Martlesham Animal Centre has said the girls have slowly gained weight and look much healthier.

Animal centre manager Zoe Barret-Lamb said: "The girls would need to find a home together, where they have access to a large, fully secure accommodation.

"Ferrets sleep for long periods but when they are awake, they require suitable enrichment to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.

The centre has not seen a trend in ferrets being abandoned however they often see ferrets come in as strays. 

Athena the ferret (Image: RSPCA Suffolk Central)"Ferrets are escape artists and fantastic climbers and diggers," said Zoe. 

"Often the ferrets coming into our care are not microchipped, which makes it very difficult to reunite them with their owners.

The centre has seen an increase in animals needing their help and it relates to the cost of living crisis. 

Aphrodite, Athena and Artemis have all been spayed and are nearly ready to go to a new forever home.