RSPCA shell-shocked by dumped tortoises
OFFICER SAYS ABANDONED REPTILES WOULD HAVE DIED IF THEY HADN’T BEEN FOUND QUICKLY
TWO baby tortoises were found dumped in a park inside a cardboard box.
A member of the public made the shocking discovery in Bramhall Park, Stockport, and alerted the RSPCA. An investigation is underway.
The RSPCA has issued an urgent warning over the care of exotic pets, including tortoises. Images released by the charity show holes had been cut into the lid of the box and newspaper used as bedding.
Both tortoises were healthy, but ‘lethargic,’ according to the RSPCA.
“They will now be fostered until we are in a position to put them up for rehoming,” said RSPCA exotics officer Gina Ratcliff.
One of the Horsfields tortoises is male, the other female.
Gina added: “The two tortoises were quite lethargic when my animal collection officer colleague Emma Dwan collected them from the concerned member of public who had found them.
“But happily other than that they seemed healthy, though the female was a little subdued to start with.
“We think they are both quite young, and now they are living in appropriate conditions, they have become bright and alert.
“It’s so sad when pets are just abandoned, and we urge anyone who is struggling to contact an reptile expert for advice rather than abandoning an animal to fend for itself.
“Reptiles such as tortoises have no way of keeping themselves warm so abandoning them is particularly dangerous, as it can seriously compromise their health, possibly even leading to death if they aren’t found straight away.” The RSPCA said exotic pets including tortoises often end up in the charity’s care when people realise they’re not easy to care for – or once the novelty wears off.
Others are rescued after escaping or being released on purpose.
A spokesman added: “The RSPCA would encourage prospective owners of any reptile, including tortoises, to thoroughly research the animal’s needs, using expert sources, and only consider keeping one if they can ensure they are fully able to provide for these needs.
Reptiles such as tortoises have no way of keeping warm so abandoning them is particularly dangerous
Gina Ratcliff, RSPCA
“Caring for reptiles can be challenging in a domestic environment because their needs are just the same as they would be in the wild and are fundamentally linked to certain behaviours, diets or environmental conditions that can be difficult to replicate in a home.”
The RSPCA meanwhile has launched an emergency appeal to keep its rescue teams out on the frontline and continue to look after animals in its care during the coronavirus pandemic.
Animal rescuers have been designated as key workers by the Government, but the charity said vital funding was needed to keep them out on the road.
RSPCA centres have closed to the public, but its rescue teams are bringing in more animals in need.
Recently an abandoned fox cub found in the garden of a house in Altrincham was rescued by the charity, together with an orphaned baby badger found in woods in Oldham.
Last year rescuers dealt with 7,719 welfare incidents in Greater Manchester.