A WILD raccoon dog - which have become somewhat trendy to keep as pets - has been found in someone's garden.

The shocked householder spotted the timid animal in her back garden in Fingringhoe, near Colchester.

Unsure what else to do, she called the RSPCA, which are now appealing for information, and warns these wild animals are not the ideal pet.

“This was my first raccoon dog rescue, so I wasn’t sure what to expect," said RSPCA student inspector Karl Marston, who found the animal secured in the lady's courtyard.

“The poor animal seemed scared and was very timid. I gently coaxed her into a cage then took her to South Essex Wildlife Hospital, which has very kindly agreed to look after her until a permanent home can be found.

“The householder put the word out around the village to find the owner, but to date no-one has come forward."

Raccoon dogs are members of the canid family, carnivorous animals that also include wolves, jackals, foxes, coyote, and the domestic dog.

Despite a rise in non-native animals as pets, the RSPCA strongly discourages the public from buying or keeping them as pets.

It is also an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to release these animals or allow them to escape into the wild because they are not a native species.

Raccoon dogs were also recently listed on European Invasive Species Regulations, which means that from February 2019, new stock cannot be sold and owners will have to keep their animals securely and not allow them to breed.

Sue Schwar, manager of South Essex Wildlife Hospital, where the animal is being looked after said: “The raccoon dog is doing fine, and has settled down in her temporary home.

“Recently we have seen a big increase in the more exotic species of pets. Shelters like ours are finding it increasingly difficult to care for them and find appropriate places to rehome them.”

If you have know anything about our mystery raccoon dog, call the RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018 to speak with someone confidentially.