THE owner of a rare pet says he is surprised by the reaction it received at a North Yorkshire car boot sale.

Police were called to the Rufforth car boot sale, near York, last week, after a man reported seeing a badger on a lead that “had been rendered into captivity”.

Charlie Plumb, from Pocklington, runs an exotic animal company and said he was shocked that Palesa, his Tanuki - a type of Asian fox - had led to the police being called.

He said: “I was getting her used to being in crowds. She was getting pointed at and stroked, but even though she’s got the look of a raccoon, it’s upset me that someone called the police and wasted their time.

“Plenty of people said to me ‘look at the raccoon’. I told them it wasn’t a raccoon, and we talked about what she is. That’s the reaction I want, really, to be able to talk about the animals and teach people about them.”

Sgt Kevin Kelly, of the Rural Taskforce, said police had to take the call seriously as possessing a badger was against the law, but he was glad the member of the public was wrong.

Sgt Kelly said: “I’m an absolute animal lover, but I’ve never seen one. As it goes, it was one of the odder jobs we have had.”

Through his business, Hi N Lo Exotics, Mr Plumb gives educational talks to parties and at public events about his exotic animals, displays birds of prey, and uses reptiles and spiders to help people get over their phobias.

He said: “When we first got her if anyone went near her she would run a mile.

“I’ve spent hours lying in the straw with her, feeding her from my hand and introducing her to our dog, and now they play together in the back yard.”

Mr Plumb will be at a fundraiser at Acomb Gateway church on Saturday, in memory of York girl Katie Rough, who died aged seven.

He will be donate all proceeds to the fund set up for her parents. He has previously taken animals to fundraisers for Help For Heroes and York’s Special Care Baby Unit.

This week, Mr Plumb is picking up a male Tanuki to keep Palesa company, but said he did not expect to hear the patter of little paws at any time soon.

He said: “The male I’m collecting is so laid back, he’s horizontal.”