Latest news with #tortoise
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Family 'devastated' after beloved tortoise is stolen
A family has been left devastated after their tortoise was stolen. The 35-year-old tortoise was taken along with her house on Monday, July 21, after someone broke into an outbuilding in the area of Hassocks, police said. Mid Sussex Police issued an appeal for any information on the whereabouts of the animal on July 25. The tortoise in its house (Image: Mid Sussex Police) A force spokesman said: 'The tortoise has lived with its owner for 35 years and is devasted that their beloved pet has been taken. 'She is about six inches across and weighs around six and a half pounds. She rarely eats of her own accord, only really the food that is offered by the owner and has set routines. The owners are worried sick about what is happening to her. 'Tortoises are not the easiest of animals to look after and require knowledgeable care to remain healthy and happy.' If you have any information of the tortoise's whereabouts, contact police on 101 or via Sussex Police's web page quoting reference 47250143572.
BBC News
2 days ago
- BBC News
Stolen tortoise's owner 'worried sick'
A 35-year-old tortoise has been stolen, sparking a police Police said the pet was taken on 21 July after someone broke into an outbuilding in the Hassocks area. The owner, who has lived with the tortoise its whole life, is "devastated that their beloved pet has been taken," the force said."She rarely eats of her own accord, only really the food that is offered by the owner and has set routines," a police spokesperson said. The tortoise - which Sussex Police did not name - was described by officers as being about 6in (15cm) across and weighing around 6.5lbs (3kg). Its owner is "worried sick about what is happening to her," the police spokesperson says. "Tortoises are not the easiest of animals to look after and require knowledgeable care to remain healthy and happy."The tortoise's house was also stolen, according to Sussex Police. The force has urged people to share the story among family and friends, and to contact them if they have information about the theft.
Telegraph
4 days ago
- Telegraph
Tortoise found 2.8 miles from home after 16 days on the run
A runaway tortoise was found nearly three miles from home, 16 days after escaping from its pen in Devon. Shelly the leopard tortoise vanished from Shillingford Abbot, near Exeter on July 9. The 40lb reptile was then discovered near The Orange Elephant ice cream parlour, close to the A379 near Kennford, some 2.8 miles away as the crow flies. Nick Phillips, Shelly's owner, said: 'She was spotted by the farmer, who thought she was a big rock. Luckily, he realised rocks don't usually move and gave us a call.' The family had looked for the tortoise in verges, undergrowth and local woods, and used thermal imaging to try and spot her. Mr Phillips said Shelley's appetite had diminished after returning home, adding: 'We tried runner beans, cabbage, cucumber, the full monty. She wasn't interested. I've no idea what she's been eating, but clearly it wasn't salad.' Mr Phillips's daughter Becky said: 'She's quite big and can travel nearly a mile a day. It seems people don't know what to do when they see a tortoise on the loose, because she was just left there. 'We think she escaped by clawing under the chicken wire of her pen.'
BBC News
6 days ago
- BBC News
Warning after tortoise 'smuggled into UK in cigarette packet'
A woman who allegedly bought a baby tortoise for £10 at a Tunisian market then smuggled it into the UK in a cigarette packet has sparked a police 29-year-old woman from Boston is being investigated by Lincolnshire Police on suspicion of bringing the reptile into the country without a is believed to be a Testudo graeca - also known as a Greek tortoise - which is an endangered species protected under international law."We are using this report to warn and educate the public about the dangers and legal consequences of buying exotic animals abroad," a Lincolnshire Police spokesperson said. The incident has also been criticised by Wild Things Rescue UK, where the tortoise - named Gulliver - is now being cared Steele, from the charity, said the animal was "not in the best condition" when he arrived."It was a surprise to be asked to care for an animal from Tunisia, especially under such distressing circumstances," she said."He is a wild animal, not an accessory and should never have been treated this way." The suspected offences came under the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 2018 and the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 and can result in a fine or up to seven years in Con Aaron Flint, from the force, urged anyone thinking about bringing animals into the UK to check laws."What may seem like an innocent souvenir - even if purchased for a small amount -can result in serious criminal charges," he said."Don't take the risk – the consequences can be severe."Anyone with information about the potential illegal trade or importation of endangered species should contact the force. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices
The Sun
19-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
From a destructive cat to a friendless bearded dragon – your pet queries answered
HE is on a mission to help our pets . . . and is here to answer YOUR questions. Sean, who is the head vet at tailored pet food firm has helped with owners' queries for ten years. 4 4 Q) ALTHOUGH she knows it annoys me, my cat keeps scratching my favourite chair. I've already had it recovered once. What can I do to stop Dingo's destroying ways? Peter Thrower, Barnsley A) Scratching is a natural behaviour for cats. It marks their territory, leaving scent behind for other cats that might stray in as well as being a visual reminder that they live in that location. There's also evidence it releases natural feelgood chemicals like endorphins and happy hormones. Dingo is not doing it to annoy you, she just really wants to scratch that chair. They like prominent upright surfaces to do it on, too. The trick is to encourage the behaviour more on appropriate objects. Cat-scratching posts are vital if you don't already have some. Multiple ones around the house preferably. And use a pet-safe deterrent spray on your chair or temporarily wrap it in cling film or aluminium foil to break the habit. Bonkers, but it can work. Q) CAN you please advise on what paint can be used for a tortoise enclosure? World's Oldest Tortoise Jonathan Package - Joe Hollins My family have a pair called Laurel and Hardy. Sara Moore, Selsdon, Surrey A) I have to admit I'm not up to date on the paint market, so it's difficult to recommend products. What I will say is that it needs to be a paint advertised as pet-safe. I'd also mention that it needs to be for outdoor use so it doesn't flake off and get eaten by your tortoises. And on that note, certain colours can be very attractive to tortoises. Bright yellows, oranges, reds and purples in particular are a no-go, otherwise Laurel and Hardy may be chewing their way through your enclosure and we don't want that. Q) I HAVE just bought my son his first bearded dragon. Called Berty, he is really sociable. Should I get him a friend? Amy Parker, Reading A) My niece just got one too and it's reminded me just how fun and sociable they can be as pets. The pet dog of the reptile world, I think. Anyway, you'll be glad to know Berty doesn't need a companion as Beardies are pretty solitary animals. They only really come together to mate. When kept in groups, stress and competition for food and basking spots is high, but fighting, injury and even death can also occur. As with all reptile-keeping, mimic their life in the wild as best you can and you won't go too far wrong. Q) MY cat Princess only eats the jelly on cat food and turns her nose up at the rest of it. What can I do to get her to eat up? I'm worried she'll be hungry. Olivia Edwards, Basildon, Essex A) One of three things is likely to be happening here. Firstly, it's quite possible Princess may have oral pain, caused by dental disease. This is worth a vet appointment. As is the second category — an illness may be making her lose her appetite. You don't mention if she has lost weight or whether she's drinking more but these are always signs to watch out for, in older cats especially. Finally, maybe she's just not that hungry, and she knows that if she turns her nose up you come rushing in with something even more tasty. Cats and dogs can be very clever like that, training their owners to produce the goods when they fancy something different. We often worry too much in this last situation. If your cat is a healthy weight and seems well in herself, simply relax and let Princess finish her bowl. Star of the week 4 SHE played Dogpool in the latest Deadpool & Wolverine blockbuster – and now Peggy is a superhero to other pups. As the five-year-old hairless pugese – a pug and Chinese Crested cross, once voted Britain's ugliest dog – has helped raise £627 for Birmingham Dogs Home at Comic Con Midlands. Rachel Frost, the charity's events and community fundraising manager said: 'We were a little star-struck to have Peggy visit our charity but are extremely grateful for her taking time out of her busy schedule to support our rescue dogs.' Peggy's owner, make-up artist Holly Middleton, 38, from East Yorks, said: 'Peggy and I are very proud to support them.' Donate at birmingham WIN: £50 B&M VOUCHER B&M is giving five lucky readers the chance to win a £50 voucher to spend on their new summer pet collection. The range has everything you need to keep your furry friend happy – from cooling mats and splash pools to Paw Pops you can freeze for a tasty treat. To enter the competition, email sundaypets@the-sun. with the subject line B&M by August 3. Check out the range at T&Cs apply. SAVE PETS FROM GARDEN'S HIDDEN TOXINS 4 SUMMER is the ideal time for pets to relax in the garden – but owners should look out for hidden dangers. Check slug pellets, fertilisers and pesticides are safe for animals, and remember some plants can be deadly. Lars Mortensen, head vet at the Agria pet insurance app, said: 'Dog, cat and rabbit owners should look out for plants such as lilies, giant hogweed, geraniums and hydrangeas. Know which products are pet-friendly and which are toxic.' Kitten Izzie had a risky brush with a lily on the Ards Peninsula in County Down. Her owner, healthcare professional Megan Clarke, washed her and rushed her to the vet, where she was put on a drip to support her vital organs. Agria covered the £2,500 cost. Lucinda Alderton-Sell, of charity Cats Protection, revealed several owners have been caught out by surprise toxins. She said: 'Lilies are poisonous to cats and the toxins can cause kidney failure, which can be fatal.' If your pet has symptoms, call your vet immediately.
