The local RSPCA wont turn out themselves for just a ferret but they sometimes give my phone number out to people who have found a ferret or have a ferret which has taken up residence in the house or garden. I received a phone call from a shopkeeper late on Friday evening, I was able to give him some advice on how to trap the 'ferret' which was hiding under some shelves in his shop. On the Saturday afternoon the same shopkeeper phoned me again, he'd caught the 'ferret' but the RSPCA wouldn't come an pick it up. I eventually went to pick it up. The shop keeper had borrowed a live trap from the RSPCA. (they had a charity shop just up the road from him). I took one look at the animal he'd caught. It was jet black with a little white patch on its chin. I decided to take the mink (a kit of about 8 or 9 weeks old - I think) and informed the shop keeper that I would contact the RSPCA myself. I eventually got through to local control centre in Manchester by ten past five. I virtually got the 3rd degree from the woman there. "Did we ask you go out for the animal" etc. Finally they agreed to come and pick up the mink. I dropped some dry ferret food in the trap for it, but I wasn't very successful when it came to giving it water. It screamed blue murder when I offered it a water bottle, it just didn't know what to make of it. It did eat some of the food. The RSPCA ambulance driver turned up around 7 P.M.. He transferred the mink into a crush cage. We both agreed that it was a beautiful little animal and neither of us were happy about the fate that awaited the mink kit. It's surprising how quickly the RSPCA can find the manpower to come out an collect an animal that turned out not to be a ferret but couldn't find anyone to collect a ferret! The mink was going to euthanased, sorry folks that's the only thing that can happen to the mink - it's a wild animal and not a native species - it couldn't be re-homed with anyone. far too vicious. Sheila Bolton Ferret Welfare. Membership Secretary & Editor of The National Ferret Welfare Society. Web Site: www.btinternet.com/~sheila/ferrets.htm last update 11 September 1999 Waiting at Rainbow Bridge: Jill, Deanna Troy, Cameron, Carnath, Button, Bill, Bobby, Jasper, Inga & Holly [Posted in FML issue 2804]