Abandoned Ferret Safe After A Harrowing Adventure In Port Chester

PORT CHESTER, NY — A woman suspected of abandoning a pet on the roadside tried to weasel out of responsibility, but investigators burrowed into her social media and ferreted out the truth, according to police.

On February 11, Port Chester police said that officers were sent to Bent Ave. after a report of an unknown animal running around. Once they were able to catch the animal, they realized it was a ferret. A resident in the area told the officers that an unknown vehicle dropped the animal off and left. After further investigation, police tracked down the vehicle and spoke to the driver who told police that she had been driving from her home in northern Westchester County when the ferret came out from under the seat. She pulled over and let it out, thinking it was some sort of wild animal. At the time, police said that the ferret was resting at police headquarters and was being fed, while they were working with the New Rochelle Humane Society to make arrangements for the ferret.

They asked the public if anyone knew the ferret or the ferret's owner.

On Thursday, Port Chester police provided an update on the case. After further inquiries, including social media checks, police found several videos showing the suspect from February to be in possession of ferrets matching the abandoned animal. Police say additional evidence suggested the possible abandonment of another ferret.

PCPD shared these findings with the Westchester SPCA, who then continued the investigation.

On March 14, SPCA investigators, with assistance from local police, met with the suspect at a Peekskill bakery. She was issued an appearance ticket for animal abandonment and is scheduled to appear in Rye Town Court on April 2.

"P.S. We really didn't believe the story from the beginning, but we have to investigate prior to making judgment," PCPD added. "The ferret has been placed in a safe place and is no longer in danger."

Authorities are also working to verify the welfare of a second ferret believed to have been abandoned earlier.

Police thanked the Westchester SPCA, especially investigator Pataki for his diligence in the investigation.

"Thank you to the Port Chester Police Dept. for the recognition and we are so glad that our little ferret friend is safe!" Westchester SPCA posted.

On March 21, Animal Nation posted on social media that the ferret made his way to Animal Nation, and is now named Jonah. "His unhappy times are behind him now and we’re looking forward to finding him the best Forever Home. If you’d like to adopt Jonah we're currently taking applications online."