Fast ferrets take to the racetrack

1:48pm Monday 7th May 2007

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DRINKERS at the Old Ale House in Rodbourne heard a few growls, followed by excited cheers, as Swindon's elite ferrets raced for cash.

The proceeds from the event in Rodbourne, held to mark National Ferret Day, will go to a charity organisation which tries to find new homes for the furry ones.

Dawn Bradfield's pets took part in several races throughout the afternoon.

The competitions involved a length of pipe, several water obstacles, and lots of encouragement in the midday sunshine.

Dawn, 45, said: "They are absolutely wonderful pets and people really don't know what they're like.

"They get confused with polecats that are the same size, but wild and much more aggressive. The ferrets we own are not vicious at all, in fact they are very loving creatures with inquisitive behaviour."

Far from biting at anything that came near, the dozens of ferrets on view were more interested in jumping around their cages and emitting the odd growl.

Alongside Dawn was Jessie Bascombe, another volunteer with STARescue.

Between them they work for the charity, helping to rehouse ferrets.

Jessie, 29, said: "It wouldn't be right to say they are simple pets, because they are counted as specialist animals by vets and the bills are as much as for a cat or dog. They also need regular attention and walking to keep them active, though they can sleep up to 16 hours a day.

"But you develop a real relationship with them after a while, and that is worth all the care you need to put in."

Ferrets came to Britain with the Romans, who needed an animal to chase rabbits from their burrows.

That instinct was put to good use during the afternoon, as the business of ferret racing got under way.

The youngest owner was Harley Miller, aged just three.

His dad Gary, 35, said: "He loves looking after Dusty, she's his special pet.

"He feeds her and is always excited when we take her for a walk. He puts the lead on her and we go off to the shops."