A family of four ferrets were stolen from an animal rescue centre right before they were about to go to their new ‘forever homes’.
Staff arrived at the RSPCA centre in West Malling, Kent, on Wednesday morning to find Scooby and Orville, both two-year-old male polecats, missing from their enclosures.
Perrie and Jade, both one-year-old female polecats, were also gone.
Workers spotted footprints on nearby grass and called the police and microchip company.
Deputy animal centre manager Angelina Allingham said: ‘We are absolutely devastated that four of our ferrets have been stolen from the animal centre and we’re really keen to get them back safe and sound.
‘We are so shocked that this has happened but thankfully incidents like this are incredibly rare.’
She continued: ‘We are really concerned for the welfare of these lovely ferrets and hope to see them returned as soon as possible.
‘They are all microchipped and are now registered as stolen, so we would be so grateful if people can keep their eyes and ears open for any word on their whereabouts.’
Scooby and Orville were rescued by the RSPCA more than a year ago, before their sister gave birth to Perrie and Jade.
All four of them had been reserved and ‘given their second chance at happiness’ as they were set to go live with their new owners soon.
The ferrets are described as friendly, inquisitive, mischievous and will test the boundaries with their handlers.
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