Rocky a microchipped tortoise had been found strolling down a road in Hendon
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Hermann’s tortoise Rocky was rescued by the RSPCA after being found by a member of the public wandering down a road in Hendon, London, on 30 May.
He was taken to the charity’s Putney Animal Hospital where staff found he was microchipped and managed to trace his owners who felt they could no longer care for him. He was signed over before being adopted by a member of RSPCA staff from West Sussex.
RSPCA senior scientific officer in exotics and wildlife trade Dr Stephanie Jayson said: “We hear stories like these all too often and our officers are regularly called to collect stray tortoises and escaped pets. Tortoise owners often let their pets out in the garden during the summer weather and tortoises can become very active in the warm temperatures and sunshine. It’s really important that owners keep a close eye on their pets when outside or have a secure run to keep them in to keep them safe from other animals, and to ensure they can’t escape.”
Stephanie added: “We would urge anyone thinking of getting a pet - whether it’s a hamster, dog, snake or tortoise - to properly research that animal and its needs before bringing one home.
“Tortoises can live for 100 years so it takes a lot of commitment and we urge any potential owners to thoroughly research what is required in the care of the particular species before taking one on. They will need to make sure they can give them the environment they need and that they have the facilities, time, financial means and the long-term commitment to maintain a good standard of care.”
For more information about keeping exotic animals as pets please see the RSPCA website. If you’d like to offer a reptile a home, please visit www.rspca.org.uk/findapet.
To help the RSPCA rescue more reptiles please donate by visiting www.rspca.org.uk/give.
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August 13, 2019
