Shell shock for pet owner as dog brings home Tipton tortoise
As any dog or cat owner will know, it's not unusual for a pet to bring home a shoe, a piece of rubbish, or even a little rodent as a gift.
But one dog lover had a bit of a 'shell' shock when his pet brought in a tiny tortoise. The RSPCA was called to Gate Street, in Tipton, after the reptile was found and retrieved from the dog.
RSPCA inspector Dawn Burrell went along to collect the spur-thighed tortoise, believed to be aged around one, and took him to a nearby specialist exotic vet.
She said: "Dogs and cats often bring in rather random things for their owners but I think this gentleman had a bit of a shock when his pet brought in a tiny tortoise.
He knocked on his neighbours' doors to see if anyone owned a tortoise or was missing one but had no luck so he popped the little one in a shoebox and called us.
"The tortoise – now named Terry – is being cared for at the veterinary practice and is doing well.
"But we still don't know where Terry came from so if anyone recognises him or thinks they may have lost a little tortoise then we'd urge them to get in touch with us on 0300 123 8018.
"If Terry hasn't escaped then it may be that someone has abandoned him."
If no-one comes forward to claim Terry a member of staff at the veterinary practice has already offered him a home.
