Lucky escape for terrapins

Two terrapins have had miraculous escapes after ending up in a rubbish plant in Walsall.

Both creatures were discovered within the space of a week in separate incidents at Biffa, in Aldridge.

The first terrapin has been described as "nothing short of a miracle" after he actually went through machinery at the household management plant in Westgate. The second terrapin was spotted on a conveyor belt just moments before going through the machinery and was saved.

RSPCA officers today said they believed the reptiles had been dumped in the rubbish and condemned the actions as cruel.

The first terrapin suffered a nasty crack and hole in his shell.

He is now at Proteus reptile centre in Catholic Lane, Sedgley, where staff say he is on the road to recovery although it is expected to take some time.

Biffa staff called in the RSPCA after spotting them.