Owner's relief after runaway skunk rescued... again

Dominika the skunk was caught after a 12-hour ordeal, having hidden under decking at a house in Nassington

The owner of a "very bright, very capable" pet skunk with a history of disappearances said she was "so excited" that it had been rescued after more than four months on the run.

The mammal, named Dominika, was found in Nassington, Northamptonshire, earlier this month having escaped from its home in Braybrooke, about 25 miles away, on 28 May.

Dominika's owner, Jayne McLaughlin, explained that the 16-month-old creature had previously ran off to Market Harborough - three miles away - and Corby - 10 miles away.

Ms McLaughlin, who has six other pet skunks, said she feared Dominika would struggle to find water after prolonged dry weather this summer, but had been recovered "in good condition".

Clare Blake said it took 12 hours of chasing before she finally caught Dominika in her garden, in Nassington, near Peterborough, having originally mistaken her for a badger.

The skunk is now being looked after at the Exotic Pet Refuge, an animal rescue and rehabilitation centre in Deeping St James, Lincolnshire.

Ms Mclaughin said that Dominika had become "increasingly anxious" to venture beyond her home since coming into season for the first time.

She said Dominika had found companionship with a male skunk at the Lincolnshire rescue centre and that it had been decided she would now stay at the "secure" facility for the foreseeable future.

Clare Blake videoed the animal in her garden and the subsequent rescue