Appeal after thieves steal rare tortoise from pet shop
ANIMAL thieves are being urged to return a rare tortoise after it was stolen from an Ashington pet shop.
The Indian Star tortoise was taken from its tank at Fish Trek in the Shades of Green Garden Centre, North Seaton Industrial Estate, shortly after 1.30pm on Sunday.
And the animal’s owners are worried that if the tortoise is not returned quickly it could die within days.
Helen Edwards, owner of Fish Trek, said it is vital that the animal is returned as soon as possible.
“If he is not looked after in a certain way then he will die, and I doubt that those who took him understand how to look after such a rare animal,” she said.
“Many people think they can keep a tortoise in the garden but this creature lives in very specialised conditions of 90F, and if he is fed the wrong diet he will simply die.”
The Indian Star tortoise, known as the Geochelone elegans, is found in dry areas and scrub forest in India and is popular within the exotic pet trade.
A typical hatching could bring up to 500 but raising them in captivity is extremely difficult.
To own an Indian Star a person must also own a licence from the DfES.
“We have had this tortoise for over a year now and we were not too bothered about selling him,” said Helen.
“We were quite happy just keeping him in the shop.
“It’s disturbing to think that someone who may have no experience or understand about how to handle this creature has simply taken him for the chance of some quick money.
“I would urge those responsible to return him as soon as possible.”
If anyone has any further information they are asked to contact Fish Trek on (01670) 851160.
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Weather for Blyth
Thursday 17 May 2012
Today
Light rain
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