Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Terrapin Phoenix making progress
A TERRAPIN that was dumped in a Eurobin in Dundee is said to be “doing well” after being rescued.
The reptile – named Phoenix by Scottish SPCA staff – is recuperating at the charity’s base at Petterden following his traumatic ordeal.
A spokeswoman for the animal welfare centre said an investigation to establish the full circumstances is still ongoing.
The terrapin was dumped among household rubbish on Marryat Terrace.
Denis Griffin, 33, contacted authorities after discovering Phoenix earlier this week while taking out his rubbish.
Fellow resident, Kirsty Sturrock, 30, said previously she was “disgusted” someone had put the reptile in the communal bins.
But today she said she was “delighted” to hear he is now on the mend following his ordeal.
She said: “I’m still shocked that someone had decided to dump the animal in the bin.
“I’m pleased to hear he is doing well. I haven’t heard anymore as to how or why he ended up there.
“I’ve spoken to one neighbour and they haven’t heard anything in connection with this so it’s unclear if anyone locally has done this.
“He looked OK at the time but it’s not a creature I really know a lot about.
“Hopefully he finds a new home – I must admit I quite like the name he has been given.”
Beverly O’Lone, a Scottish SPCA animal rescue officer, said it wasn’t uncommon for these animals to be dumped — though not usually in a rubbish bin.
She confirmed the animal was now resting at the charity’s Dundee base at Petterden.
The search is now on to find Phoenix a loving new home.
She said: “The terrapin is doing well at our centre in Dundee.
“We can still rehouse the animal and will start the process after seven days.”
The terrapin measured about 10 inches and could easily have ended up in a landfill site.
Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said the reptiles can be bought “cheaply” making them an attractive option to buy.
He explained the animals can initially be size of 50p but can grow up to 12 inches and live for up to 30 years.
He said: “Some buyers don’t appreciate the level of cleaning and care required to keep an exotic creature healthy and well.
“There is also a boredom factor with these pets.
“Owners can’t take them for a walk or cuddle and play with them.” Ourvoice PAGE 16