A FORLORN ferret is being nursed back to health at a Droitwich Spa animal centre.

Skinny Minny, who has suffered appalling cruelty, is the latest addition to the Droitwich Ferret Welfare.

She arrived in the Spa just a fraction of her acceptable bodyweight and almost completely bald apart from her tail, legs and head.

Anne Robinson, the welfare's secretary, said: "She was too weak to hold her head up, never mind feed herself.

"We have had to feed her by syringe every few hours but now she is beginning to eat on her own - particularly her morning dish of egg, cream and chicken. She has now grown wispy hairs on her back and is showing some interest in life."

When the gentle creature is back to full health, she will have thick coat of champagne-coloured hair.

The welfare has had a very busy summer, with more than 70 ferrets arriving in Droitwich from all over the country.

"Without the unfailing support of Wilson's Pet Centres we would not have been able to meet the costs of veterinary treatment and accommodation," said Anne.

She added: "We are appealing to all ferret owners not to abandon ferrets and to use locators when rabbiting to ensure the ferrets are retrieved safely.

"It is a mistake to believe that ferrets can fend for themselves in the wild, particularly in the colder months."

For further details call the welfare on 01905 796050 or email dfwl@btopenworld.com