African genet finally caught in fox trap (From Warrington Guardian)

African genet finally caught in fox trap in Woolston

2:56pm Tuesday 18th October 2011 in Woolston

AN African animal that has roamed Warrington for 10 days was caught in Woolston.

The large spotted genet was trapped in the garden of an address on Manchester Road.

Earlier last week the exotic predator had visited the same home to feed on chickens, ripping the head off one.

But when the genet returned looking for prey at 8pm on Tuesday it was caught.

The homeowner, who did not wish to be named, had set up a fox trap borrowed from the Lower Moss nature reserve in Knutsford.

He said: “When we went back at dusk to check the trap it had been caught.

“Thankfully it is not going to kill anything else.

“It’s a gorgeous little animal and my only concern was its welfare.”

The female genet, which hunts birds and small rodents, was bought by owner Anthony Brough from Leeroy’s Lizards on Padgate Lane several weeks ago.

But it went on the run on October 1 after slipping out of a window at Mr Brough’s home on Biggin Court, Padgate.

The 33-year-old, who keeps other exotic creatures including a snake, said he was relieved to get his pet back.

“As soon as it went back she had gone back for the chickens,” said Mr Brough.

“I’m very relieved to get her back, it was causing panic.”

He also pledged to pay for chickens killed by his pet.

“It couldn’t have been found by a better person.

“No one normally knows what they are, but as soon as he spotted it he knew what it was and realised it must be a pet.

“I’m going to replace his chickens and buy him a drink.”

l See the full story in Tursday’s Warrington Guardian.