ANIMAL fever is sweeping Huddersfield!

After reading our Monday article about the Philips' menagerie of animals, we had a call from the Cooks.

And they have a veritable zoo at their Mirfield home.

"We have six dogs, four geese, three sheep, two cats, a pony, a chinchilla, a rabbit and three lovely children," said mother and keeper, Jayne Cook.

And she wouldn't have it any other way.

"I always say that a house without an animal is a sad house."

And if that's true, Jayne's busy house of fun is as about as happy as they come.

Jayne's children, Jordan, 16, Milli, 14 and Lois, 10 are also mad about their pets.

Each has their own daily responsibilities for looking after their animals.

Jordan definitely favours the cats while Lois looks after the dogs.

Milli on the other hand looks after the animals outside.

When her mum isn't around, the sheep and pony duties are taken over by the 14-year-old.

But there is always a fear of upset.

Mrs Cook said: "We used to have two donkeys, two pigs, pigeons, hens and a cow but they all had to leave at some point for all different reasons."

Some of the pets were rescued by the animal-loving family.

Jack Russell, Bill, one of smallest of the dogs, was found in a bin liner while crossbreed Douglas was adopted by the Cooks after he was abandoned.

"Feeding time is fun. Everyone has their own place twice a day.

"But there are those that just can't wait for their own dinner.

"The other day, Shona, our Scottish deerhound, ate one of my home- made lasagnes. It can't have been good though, because as the pasta was still raw!"

The family's open plan home in Hopton is big enough for pets and humans to live in harmony. Or near-harmony.

"It's important that children learn to respect animals," said Mrs Cook. "Especially such friendly ones as ours."