Hockley Ferret Rescue centre's future at risk amid homes plan

Tracy Clark (pictured) runs Hockley Ferret Rescue with her sister Jo

A pair of sisters are "losing sleep" over a looming housing plan that could render their ferret rescue centre homeless.

Jo and Tracy Clark fear Hockley Ferret Rescue's closure could leave 180 of the furry animals in limbo.

They are set to lose their base when developer Kent Property Investments builds 16 homes there at the Fairways Garden Centre development in Rayleigh, Essex.

The developer declined to comment.

The sisters have dedicated a decade of their lives to running the centre.

Jo said she cared for 180 lost, abandoned and ill-treated ferrets which she and Tracy had taken in.

The sisters are now "desperately" looking for a new home for their centre, with Kent Property Investments' homes plan due to begin within months.

Jo Clark said she fell into loving ferrets "by accident" when one found its way into her garden

"It is really, really upsetting and stressful because there is no answer at the moment - we are hanging in limbo," said Jo.

"We are here seven days a week. These ferrets are our life and we love them dearly."

Hockley Ferret Rescue has taken in animals from Kent, London and as far away as Devon, with some receiving palliative care.

They have been provided with an enclosure and play area, with Jo keen to ensure they were not kept in cages.

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"We will find somewhere for them, whether they need foster care or something else. Under no circumstances will I have any of them put to sleep," Jo said.

"We do face that, having 180 of them, but you would have to bury me first before any of them were put to sleep for no reason.

"They have got a very bad name; people do think they are vicious and ferocious and nasty but they are nothing of the sort.

"They are such an anti-depressant; you just have to watch them and you are in fits of giggles."

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