Cruel thugs dumped a group of 20 FERRETS in the middle of the car park of a Sainsbury's branch in Fulham.
Stunned shoppers and staff managed to catch six of the terrified animals as they scuttled in all directions, while the rest escaped. The rescued creatures have been taken the RSPCA's animal hospital in Putney.
The bizarre incident happened on Tuesday at about 2pm. Two white men, one described as very short, the other tall, drove into the car park in a small, white Vauxhall van with a 2007 number plate. They were seen laughing as they released the ferrets, before driving off.
The RSPCA condemned the act, saying the animals, all males, were hungry and dirty and aggressive towards towards the charity's animal welfare officers (AWOs), who arrived at the scene shortly afterwards.
AWO Nathalie Ditchfield, who managed to catch four of the animals, is appealing for witnesses and warned any ferrets spotted by members of the public should not be handled.
"We would ask people do not touch the ferrets as they are not used to being handled and could bite.
"If they are able to catch the ferret safely by putting a container with ventilation holes over him, then they should do that and call the RSPCA.
"It was cruel to let the ferrets loose in this way. These are animals that have been caged all their lives and they do not know how to survive in an environment like this."
Sainsbury's customer services manager Edward Collet said staff tried to catch as many of the animals as possible.
"I think we managed to get four. We continued to look but none have been seen since. It seemed slightly amusing at the time but this was very cruel.
"I have asked customers to keep a look out."
Ferrets are carnivorous and related to polecats. They spend 14–18 hours a day sleeping and are most active around the hours of dawn and dusk. They live happily in social groups, are territorial and like to burrow.
* Call the RSPCA on 0300 123 4999 if you have any information.
