STAFF at a car dealership were shocked to find a ferret running around the premises.

Staff at Mill Volvo in Stockton called the RSPCA for help after finding the ferret in the workshop.

Animal collection officer Shane Lynn went to collect the animal from the dealership at Preston Farm Business Park.

The Northern Echo:

He said: “I’m used to seeing Jaguars, Pandas, Mustangs and even Beetles in car showrooms - but a ferret is definitely a new model! I’m not sure how well it’ll sell!

“He was just wandering around the cars - goodness knows where he came from.

"He could be an escaped pet or may have been abandoned.

“Staff managed to catch him in a box and keep him safe until I arrived.

"Luckily, he was fairly healthy although it looks as though he’d been living stray for some time as he was a little underweight and was covered in ticks.”

The ferret - a little albino male now named Volvo - was taken to a vet for a check-up before going to the RSPCA’s Great Ayton Animal Centre in Middlesbrough.

He’ll remain at the centre for seven days while Shane tries to find his owner but if he isn’t claimed then staff will look for a new home for him.

Shane added: “I think he’s come from a home environment as he is really friendly and has been neutered but sadly he isn’t microchipped. Hopefully his owner will come forward and we’ll be able to reunite them!”

  • Anyone who believes Volvo may belong to them should contact the RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

To offer a rescue ferret a new home, go to: www.rspca.org.uk/findapet.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit www.rspca.org.uk/give.