Trudi Harris

Keeping a skunk as a pet is legal in the UK, but the RSPCA strongly advises against it because skunks are wild rather than domesticated animals. Owners must accept their powerful, difficult-to-remove spray, cannot legally remove the animal’s scent glands, and must not release a skunk into the wild. Welfare concerns include unsuitable diets, insufficient exercise and limited access to veterinary care. A rescued skunk found near Taunton is being cared for by Tropiquaria Zoo in Somerset.