by Alex Wellman A peculiar pet is missing and the owner is calling on Times readers to help him find it. Smurf, a three-month-old ferret, broke out from his home in Craik Court, South Kilburn, on Friday March 27 when his owner s,

by Alex Wellman

A peculiar pet is missing and the owner is calling on Times readers to help him find it.

Smurf, a three-month-old ferret, broke out from his home in Craik Court, South Kilburn, on Friday March 27 when his owner's, Soroush Shakeri, 19, back was turned.

Since then Mr Shakeri has been frantically trying to find the beloved pet and has put posters up all across South Kilburn.

Mr Shakeri said: "He is really curious and likes to smell things and find out about new stuff. I wanted a pet but a cat was too big so my girlfriend told me about ferrets. I looked into them a bit and decided it would be a good idea to get one.

"It would mean a real lot to me if I could get him back because he was a great companion and every time I come home now the house is empty and he is not in his cage."

Mr Shakeri is also offering a �50 reward to anyone who helps reunite him with his furry friend.

Animal experts said Smurf could be somewhere dark and quiet but if he does approach anyone that they should not be scared.

Claire Harper, animal welfare officer, The Mayhew Animal Home in Trenmar Gardens, Kensal Green, said: "Often, if the ferret is quite friendly, it can just walk up to humans as it will associate them with food.

"If they are not used to people though they might look for somewhere quiet and dark like a drainpipe. They can give a nasty bite but if they are a family pet then they should be quite used to people.

"This is just a little one, a baby, so we need to find it quite soon. If someone does find it they should not be scared and if they are able put him into a box and call us and we collect it and ensure Smurf is reunited with his owner."

Anyone who has seen Smurf should call Mr Shakeri on 07958 481 178 or The Mayhew Animal Home on 020 8969 0178.

alex.wellman@archant.co.uk