Lincolnshire woman smuggled baby tortoise into the UK

ITV News

4 days ago

Police are warning travellers not to bring exotic animals into the UK after seizing a baby tortoise that was smuggled into the UK inside a cigarette packet.
A 29-year-old woman from Boston, Lincolnshire, is under investigation after allegedly bringing the reptile from Tunisia, where she reportedly bought it at a market for £10.
A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police said: 'Smuggling wildlife can pose serious risks to both an animal's welfare and UK biosecurity.
'Wild animals are not an accessory and no tortoise should ever be treated this way.'
The tortoise, which has been named Gulliver, is thought to be a Testudo graeca, commonly known as the Greek tortoise or spur-thighed tortoise.
The species is protected under international law due to its endangered status and trade in such animals is heavily restricted. An import permit would be needed to bring a Greek tortoise into the UK.
Wildlife crime officer Det Con Aaron Flint said: 'Endangered species such as tortoises are protected under international law, and bringing one into the country without the correct permits is a criminal offence.
'I ask that anyone thinking about bringing animals or animal products into the UK checks the legislation around how this must be done.
'What may seem like an innocent souvenir — even if purchased for a small amount - can result in serious criminal charges."
The tortoise has now been taken into specialist care at Wild Things Rescue.
Lucy Steele, of Wild Things Rescue, said: 'We usually work with British wildlife, so it was a surprise to be asked to care for an animal from Tunisia, especially under such distressing circumstances.
'The tortoise is not in the best condition and will be seeing a specialist vet to give him the best possible chance at a healthy future. He is a wild animal, not an accessory and should never have been treated this way.'