Council kicks up pet skunk stink

A woman turning heads by taking her pet skunk for a walk on a lead has been told by a council that it may have to go. Hannah Chapman, 23, takes de-scented Ichi for walks in Aberdeen.

People have been stopping her to take pictures of the unusual sight in the Rosemount area of the city.

An Aberdeen City Council spokeswoman said Hannah did not have permission to keep a skunk in her council flat but should get in touch. The spokeswoman said Hannah should contact them with details of Ichi being de-scented and how safe she was and they would look at the case.



Hannah explained: "If the worst comes to the worst I will have to think about moving - there's no chance of getting rid of Ichi."

A Scottish SPCA spokeswoman said: "We sympathise with Miss Chapman's predicament as facing the prospect of having to either move house or risk losing a much-loved pet would be difficult for anyone.

"However, this is not strictly an animal welfare issue, but a matter for the local authority to deal with. While it is possible to legally keep skunks as pets in Britain, if the relevant local authority does not allow them to be kept in their properties that is their prerogative."

With news video.